The Unforgettable Characters of 'Final Fantasy VIII'
Squall Leonhart
Squall Leonhart is the introverted main character of Final Fantasy VIII. As a student of Balamb Garden, Squall is meant to become a soldier of SeeD, an elite force of mercenaries. Squall embarks on an unforgettable journey that includes battling monsters and gods alike to save the war torn world of Final Fantasy VIII.
As a protagonist, Squall begins his story as a reserved loner who keeps to himself. He is distant and writes in a diary to express his feelings. Over the course of the game, Squall grows in personality, eventually opening up to his friendships and embracing his role as leader of SeeD.
Squall is also one of the few characters in the Final Fantasy universe to wield a gunblade, a deadly combination of a gun and sword. He is a fully developed hero who develops a romantic relationship with Rinoa Heartilly, a key member of the game's main cast.
Rinoa Heartilly
Rinoa Heartilly is a rebellious young woman from the occult pirate force, the Timber Owls. She is a key ally to Squall throughout the story and the game's romantic interest for the hero.
Rinoa has a strong personality and is very outspoken. She's a fiercely independent woman who typically acts without thinking. She has a great sense of justice and a strong devotion to her friends. This leads her to take risks for the greater good, including accompanying Squall to fight monsters and gods.
Rinoa also wields a weapon known as the blaster edge, a small handgun-like device with a wide variety of functions. She is a pivotal character in Final Fantasy VIII and her involvement helps save the day on multiple occasions.
Zell Dincht
Zell Dincht is a hotheaded martial artist who is one of Squall's best friends. Zell is the loudest and most energetic member of the Balamb Garden student body. He frequently gets into trouble due to his temper, yet always manages to make the best of any situation with his enthusiasm and good nature.
Zell's primary weapon in battle is his fists, allowing him to deliver punishing physical attacks to enemies. He also uses brawling techniques he calls "Double Lariat" and "Meteor Barret". Like Squall, Zell is a fully developed character who is essential to Final Fantasy VIII's plot.
Selphie Tilmitt
Selphie Tilmitt is a cheerful yet klutzy classmate of Squall's. She is from the Trabia Garden school and transfers to Balamb Garden near the beginning of the game. Over the course of the game, Selphie befriends Squall and the others and develops a strong relationship with them.
Selphie is a spunky character with a sharp wit and great enthusiasm. She is a skilled pilot with her beloved aircraft, the Tiny Bronco. She also uses nunchaku in battle to deliver quick and powerful attacks.
Selphie is an essential party member throughout the game and ultimately helps Squall save the world. Her optimistic outlook lifts everyone's spirits and ensures that there is never a dull moment in the Final Fantasy VIII team.
The unforgettable characters of Final Fantasy VIII, Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartilly, Zell Dincht, and Selphie Tilmitt have all left a lasting impression on gamers. They are beloved heroes whose stories will live on for many years to come.