Final Fantasy VIII - Characters
Squall Leonhart
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A consummate gunblade fighter, Squall is
easily the most promising SeeD cadet ever to have been trained. His
school, Balamb Garden, has high hopes for this reticent yet conscientious
student. Squall is rarely, if ever, bested by his fellow trainee Seifer,
who considers him his eternal rival. Far more balanced than Seifer, Squall
would never resort to unfair means in order to reach his objective. Yet he
displays a marked absence of pride in his achievements and tries to
suppress joy or any other feelings that would bind him to others. There
must be a profound reason for his distinct reluctance to get closer to
people he has known for years.
Though withdrawn, Squall does not shrink from what he considers his duty.
Much as he resents assuming leadership, he is the first to ensure that
what is necessary gets done. Squall's clear mind and sense of
responsibility lead others to trust and follow him. He is quite popular at
Balamb Garden and although everybody agrees on how difficult Squall can
be, staff and students admire and like him. So, much against what he
perceives as his wishes, he makes friends who care deeply for him... And
while Squall desperately tries to remain detached, he will learn that a
treacherous heart can change a multitude of things... maybe even the
course of the world...
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Seifer Almasy
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A bold young warrior striding through life
with a cocksure attitude, Seifer continually clashes with his training
companion and rival, Squall Leonhart. While he is a brilliant soldier, his
willful lack of discipline paired with a certain ruthlessness make him an
unlikely SeeD candidate. Far from obeying orders, Seifer tends to make a
point of deciding and having his own way. He seems utterly impervious to
the admonitions of his superiors. In fact, he doesn't acknowledge any
ordinary mortal as even his peer. Needless to say, while his fighting
prowess is admired by everybody, Seifer is not the most popular student at
Balamb Garden. Though often questionable, Seifer's decisiveness seems to
attract people drawn by his air of authority. Indeed, his two faithful
sidekicks and fellow students, Raijin and Fujin - forming the disciplinary
committee of Balamb Garden - enthusiastically follow each and every order
of his. They are blissfully ignorant of the dreams of power impelling
Seifer... and of whose attention this restless young man might attract...
Driven by a dark passion, Seifer craves power. He loves to be in control,
particularly of other people, and has a keen eye for the main chance.
Seifer abhors duty: His aspirations lead him along a higher path. Seifer
scorns his fellow students - even Squall, whom he might graciously
consider the closest he has to an equal on the battlefield. While destiny
seems to separate the two rivals early on, their paths will cross again.
The fate of these young men seems to be inextricably linked and might well
affect the future of the world... |
Quistis Trepe
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Barely older than her most promising cadet,
Squall Leonhart, SeeD instructor Trepe is nonetheless a quietly
authoritative figure. She is an excellent fighter and a reliable ally. If
she might secretly wish to be more than this to Squall, he certainly makes
no effort to understand.
Slender Quistis signed up at Balamb Garden at the age of 15, passed her
SeeD exams with flying colors and stayed on to teach at her former school.
Always interested in learning the how's and why's of the world and happy
to convey her knowledge to others, she seems born to be an instructor.
Although an expert whip-cracker on the battlefield, Quistis is of a
friendly disposition and always tries to maintain her clam. Having to
issue orders and deal with stubborn trainees occasionally seems to take a
lot out of her, yet she tries not to let it show.
Due to Quistis' quiet assertiveness and restraint, very few people take
the trouble to view her as the young woman she still is. Forced to mull
over her thoughts and worries alone, kept at a distance from her pupils by
her rank, Quistis tends to brood a lot. It soon becomes obvious that she
would love to develop a more personal relationship with the people around
her, particularly with Squall. Yet she is hesitant to make a bold move and
maintains her role instead. As a result, she gets moody and even depressed
from time to time. Considering her history at Balamb Garden, it is hardly
surprising that Quistis regards the school as home. She is fiercely
protective about the Garden and all that SeeD stands for. When the world
as she knows it is thrown into turmoil, Quistis has a hard time coming to
grips. She battles on valiantly... but what will fate have in store for
her radically altered environment? |
Rinoa Heartily
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This beautiful, open-minded young woman
captivates people's hearts wherever she travels. Rinoa leads one of
several resistance groups opposing the invading forces of Galbadia.
Occasionally, her strong will clashes with that of others...Rinoa is a
talented fighter and a true friend. Loyalty is important to this
warmhearted young woman. She also has a strong sense of justice and is
rather outspoken. Used to commanding a resistance group, she can become
somewhat difficult at times, yet she never sets personal ambition above
the higher cause. Due to her undeniable charm, nobody can hold Rinoa's
frankness against her.
Although not a trained SeeD fighter, Rinoa displays surprising combat
skills and a sound knowledge of the world. It would seem that she has
traveled widely and enjoyed a liberal education. Her best friend and
companion is a beautiful brown-and-white crossbreed dog, Angelo. While not
as exuberant as some of her friends, Rinoa is spirited and always manages
to lift everybody's morale. She never gives up, always tackling problems
until she has solved them. Rinoa's natural grace and charm endear her to
others. Even Squall has a hard time shutting her out of his heart...
Despite her success, this outgoing young woman sometimes wonders about her
place in the world. She worries that she might not fit in with her SeeD
friends and might not meet their particular standards since she has not
been trained in their way of thinking. However, Squall and the others
manage to reassure Rinoa. Having come to know and like her, none of them
can imagine leaving Rinoa to her own devices. |
Selphie Tilmitt
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Selphie is a bouncy young exchange student
from Trabia Garden. Her high spirits and carefree manner always manage to
lighten her friends' hearts. For all her exuberance, Selphie should not be
underestimated in battle.
Squall meets the energetic girl at Balamb Garden, where Selphie hopes to
pass her practical SeeD exam. She quickly makes herself at home at the
Garden and is perfectly at ease with her far more serious fellow students.
Selphie's irrepressible cheerfulness and innocence seem incongruous at the
military academy and in times of trouble. Yet this very quality helps ease
the tension in dangerous situations. Rather than getting her into trouble,
Selphie's light-heartedness often opens the way for a new approach to a
problem.
Good-natured Selphie never fails to surprise her friends. The slender girl
is quite agile and known for talent to find her way out of a tight spot.
Though bubbly, she is not rebellious and carries out orders in her
characteristically friendly manner. She mastered the Shinobou at an early
age and never shies from a challenge. The fact that she occasionally seems
blissfully ignorant of the gravity of a situation often lifts her
companions' spirits, too. Selphie's presence is welcomed by all, as she is
a loyal friend and enjoyable company. |
Zell Dincht
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A brilliant martial artist full of
irrepressible energy, Zell is well like at Balamb Garden. He is friendly
and outgoing, if a little impulsive.
Raised in nearby Balamb Town, Zell enlisted at the Garden at the age of
13. He has always dreamt of becoming a soldier like his grandfather.
Indeed, his fighting prowess is beyond doubt. Fists flying, jumping at the
enemy, Zell proves a valuable addition to every squad. However, Zell's
temperament causes him to act before thinking too often for him to become
an outstanding leader. Fearlessly, he plunges into battle without a
thought for the outcome. Due to his restless nature, Zell is a young man
of action, not of contemplation. His unstoppable drive might often
endanger him and others, yet his honesty and friendliness are endearing.
Zell's impulsiveness tends to cover the fact that he has strong
principles. The talented fighter might not be an ideal soldier for ordered
ranks, but he has a pronounced sense of justice and is willing to pursue a
good cause for as long as it takes. Zell's loyalty to his friends and
family never wavers. In fighting Galbadia's invading forces he ultimately
hopes to free Balamb from oppression. His impulsive reactions to events
surprisingly often point Squall and his friends in the right direction.
Sometimes, it can even be fun as well as helpful to get swept away by
Zell's unconventional ideas. |
Irvine Kinneas
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A good-looking, carefree ladies' man, Irvine
is the best sniper of all the three Gardens. Irvine is a loner with a
loose tongue and great charm.
His contradictory nature makes Irvine something of a puzzle. Brilliant at
his art, he spends considerable time alone and, on first impressions,
doesn't seem entirely compatible with others. The sniper isn't too happy
when asked to join Squall's group during their visit to Galbadia. He is
uncomfortable discussing strategy and quite openly prefers the company of
women. Irvine has an irresistible way with the ladies. With his
considerable charm, he infallibly cheers them up and manages to distract
them from their sorrow. He loves being around the girls in Squall's little
group and even learns to trust the other young men.
Irvine is far more serious than he seems. He respects Squall and comes to
enjoy his adventure. Used to the pressure of sole responsibility as a
sniper, Irvine relaxes among his friends and overcomes his personal dread
of failure. He might even find a purpose in life other than pursuing
happiness in the guise of young women. With regard to them, however, his
advice is expert and should be heeded. Indeed, Irvine introduces a whole
new slant to the life of his friends, and is awarded by acquiring a subtle
change of outlook. |
Edea Kramer
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This powerful sorceress is Squall's main
adversary and evil incarnate. Edea displays a stupendous disdain for
ordinary mortals and their concerns or needs. Her origins are shrouded in
mystery, yet her ultimate goal seems clear enough: gaining control of the
world.
When Galbadia began invading neighbouring countries, these regions were
not only taken unawares but also seemed at a loss to explain the sudden
aggression. Recently, rumours have spread that the sorceress Edea commands
the Galbadia troops. Apparently, she is driving them to expand their
conquest. Squall and his friends will soon confirm these rumours...
Considering the terrifying power Edea commands, it would be surprising if
their fight against the sorceress were to be anything but epic. They will
encounter a cold, poised adversary with little connection to or sympathy
with humanity. Edea ruthlessly subjects to her will any man unfortunate or
foolish enough to draw her attention. Should one of these underlings fail
she will discard him without hesitation. In some subtle way she also seems
to have a certain command over the monsters plaguing the world.
Edea's supple, pouting beauty is enhanced by her striking dress style. She
has a keen sense of theatrics and knows how to make an impression.
Carefully orchestrating her public appearances, she manipulates henchmen
and foes alike, always remaining just beyond reach. In a race against
time, Squall and his friends must attempt to unveil the mystery of Edea's
past. Little do they know what surprises their quest may have in store for
them... And surely there must be some reason for the unexplainable
behaviour of recent months... |
Cid Kramer
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The headmaster of Balamb Garden seems aged
beyond his years. He appears to be burdened by some worry that keeps him
somewhat removed from the day-to-day running of the academy. Still, he is
able to help Squall and his friends more than once.
The head of the academy is something of a riddle to Squall. Notoriously
overworked, Cid constantly seems to battle inner demons as well as his
manifold tasks in running the school. He seems pitifully distraught and so
preoccupied that regular students rarely get to see him. Always on edge
around the mysterious Garden Faculty, he hardly ever manages to relax.
Everyday life at Balamb Garden runs without Cid's being particularly
conspicuous. Whatever quandary he is in does not, however, impair his
judgment. Despite appearances, Headmaster Cid takes an active interest in
events. He keeps up with current affairs and is more astute than he lets
on.
Cid Kramer is known for his sound advice and might well provide Squall
with valuable information. Still, the group of friends is doubtful of
Cid's role and intentions. Cid never gives out more knowledge than
absolutely required. Because of this, these SeeDs will need some time to
find out what haunts him. Maybe Cid plays a greater part than they think
in the events unfolding around Balamb Garden. He is definitely more than
the quirky man he seems to the world. |
Fujin And Raijin
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Fujin stands out from the crowd at Balamb by
nearly all standards.
Grey-haired and of rigid posture, she is usually seen together with Raijin
and in the vicinity of Seifer Almasy. Her martial appearance is underlined
by her clipped, robot-like exclamations and orders. Not to be trifled
with, Fujin is one of Seifer's two devoted followers. She is prepared to
go to great lengths for her self appointed leader but does not pay great
attention to the entanglements of global politics.
Raijin, big, brawny bully is quick to pick a fight.
As a member of the dreaded disciplinary committee of Balamb Garden, he
finds excuse to do so. Raijin loves to menace the students and continually
taunts Squall. He is no mean fighter and, while possessing a certain
cunning, never runs from a challenge. Raijin only obeys the orders of
Seifer, on whom he dotes. He also respects his colleague, Fujin. Raijin
and Fujin are Seifer's faithful sidekicks. They are fiercely loyal to him
and consider themselves Seifer's only close friends. They will follow
their idol anywhere. |
Laguna Loire
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A natural leader; Laguna tends to plunge into
action without giving it a second thought. He fights for his ideals and is
a talented writer, yet finds it difficult to assume his place in life.
Neither writing nor fighting seems to fulfill him.
The romantic young man and part-time writer has yet to find his calling.
Friendly and helpful, forever embarrassed around young women, Laguna lacks
self-esteem. No soldier at heart, he is still an excellent fighter and
tactician. Sensing that he blunders through life, Laguna is unaware of his
popularity... and of how much people look up to him. Somehow, he always
ends up leading others, a role he is rather reluctant to play. Feeling
highly responsible for those in his care, Laguna is determined to put an
end to injustice. He travels the world with his best friends, Kiros and
Ward. The three fighters are thrown into the most unlikely circumstances.
Unwittingly, they pave the way for Squall, whom they have never met nor
heard of. In turn, Squall and his friends seems inextricably linked to the
trio. Why are they so intimately familiar with the adventures of Laguna,
Kiros and Ward? Are they dream or reality? And why do they feel such
strong emotional ties to what might be mere products of their imagination?
None of these mysteries occupy Laguna's mind as he strives to protect his
friends and loved ones. Events just seem to unfold around him, driving him
towards his true destiny... |
Kiros
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Kiros is a long-limbed, stylish fighter with
an extraordinary aptitude for close combat. Battle-tried and a good sport,
he has been a close friend of Laguna's and Ward's for years.
Like his two friends, Kiros is anything but a typical Galbadian soldier
and far too independent for the army. He trusts Laguna's judgment, though,
and follows him wherever he suggests they go. Together, the trio have
survived many an unfriendly encounter and explore parts of the planet
hitherto unknown to Squall and his companions. |
Ward
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Armed with a mighty, club-like harpoon, Ward's
bulky figure makes his foes tremble. Naturally, appearances are deceptive.
Ward is Laguna and Kiros' good-natured friend and loyal ally.
He is not aggressive and has no aspirations for himself. Instead, he urges
Laguna to assume greater authority. Though he occasionally objects to
Laguna's exploits, Ward thoroughly enjoys travelling with his two
companions. He would not dream of leaving his friends to their own
devices. |
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