Although this congolmerate is considered a mere power company, many people despise its hidden secrets and agendas. It has direct control over the military and government of the world of Final Fantasy VII,
Shinra has many different aspects to its business. It's main purpose is to enrich the people's lives by giving them them power. This power comes from the Mako (actually the lifestream) energy of the planet that is forcefully removed by Mako reactors which destroy the planet's very essence.
The president of Shinra has a more sinister vision than simply supplying his customers with power. His main goal is to obtain the source of Mako energy and use it to ultimately control the planet. His executive board, consisting of family members, support his need and seek the sacred land of the ancients. With compulsive and ambitious board members, their group will use any methods at their disposal to obtain that sublime power. After Jenova escapes from Hojo's laboratory the Shinra president is killed, but soon to follow in his footsteps is his even more impetuous son Rufus.
Soldier is a military organization consisting of Shinra elite troops. Fused with Mako energy and trained to kill, their ability and skills are unparalleled. Their presence is well respected, although not always warranted, nor desired. With stagnant requirements to join Soldier, not everyone makes it in. Sephiroth was one of the best in Soldier. With remarkable skills and tremendous power, he became one of the most envied and respected members. Having lost contact with him years ago, it was wondered if he'd ever return.
This clandestine organization performs underground and somewhat illegal tasks for the company. Their main function is to deal with problems and situations which may threaten the welfare of Shinra that cannot be solved with mundane circumstances. Their current task is to apprehend Sephiroth. The Turks have been both a hinderance and a help for cloud and his party.
Hojo Chief scientist of Shinra, Hojo's task is to locate the holy land of the Ancients. Although he mentally unstable, Shinra depends on his remarkable intelligence and expertise to find it. He is directly related to Sephiroth and the Jenova project. Infact he himself is fused with Jenova cell and Sephiroth is his son.