Article by: Polo
Pictured from: Final Fantasy VIII
Created by: Square
First appearance: 1999
Bio
Sporting a fur-trimmed leather jacket, a gunblade on his shoulder, Squall Leonhart is a leader in the mercenary force known as SeeD, trained at Balamb Garden, a military academy. Taciturn but selective in his words, reluctant though loyal to his contracts, Squall is an emotionally complex introvert. As such, he's often misunderstood or trumped by those he works with.
Seifer Almasy is the only other student who can wield a gunblade effectively. During a training duel, he and Squall scar each other's faces, cementing their rivalry throughout the game. Meanwhile, Squall's instructor, Quistis Trepe, struggles to hold a trivial conversation with him, so much that she completes his sentences on occasion. And Rinoa Heartilly, a lively young woman from a resistance group he's assigned to help, has an even harder time dealing with this moody, withdrawn, blunt, and randomly sarcastic lone wolf who can't even dance.
Squall's interactions with the supporting characters add a depth of realism to Final Fantasy VIII and help to advance the story. The Sorceress Edea has taken control of the Galbadian army and seeks world domination. To stop her, Squall must first explore the meaning of his dreams about a journalist named Laguna Loire, his own past, and his feelings for his comrades... especially Rinoa.
Quote
"As long as you don't get your hopes up, you can take anything... you feel less pain."
Selected game appearances
PlayStation
- Final Fantasy VIII (1999)
PlayStation 2
- Kingdom Hearts (2002)
- Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Special (2004)
- Kingdom Hearts II (2005)
References
- Wikipedia - "Squall Leonhart"
- Video Game Character Adaptations - "Squall Leonhart"
- Final Fantasy VIII instruction manual
