Editing Characters of Final Fantasy VIII

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''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]'', a 1999 [[role-playing video game]] by [[Square (video game company)|Squaresoft]], features "SeeD", an elite group of mercenaries, as well as soldiers, rebels, and political leaders of various nations and cities. Thirteen weeks after its release, it had earned more than [[United States dollar|US$]]50 million in sales,<ref name="6million">{{cite web | title=FFVIII Sells Six Million Copies Worldwide | author=Sato, Yukiyoshi Ike | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/finalfantasy8/news.html?sid=2440392 | year=1999 | work=GameSpot | access-date=2006-03-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524235611/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/finalfantasy8/news.html?sid=2440392 | archive-date=2011-05-24}}</ref> making it the fastest selling ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' title at the time.<ref name="breaksrecords">{{cite web | title=FF8 Breaks Sales Records | year=1999 | author=IGN staff | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/073/073032p1.html | work=IGN.com | access-date=2006-03-16 | archive-date=2013-11-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111010902/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/10/ff8-breaks-sales-records | url-status=live }}</ref> The game has shipped 8.15 million units worldwide as of March 2003.<ref name="8million">{{cite web |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |title=Titles of game software with worldwide shipments exceeding 1 million copies |access-date=2008-03-01 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |page=27 |archive-date=2012-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213144948/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, ''Final Fantasy VIII'' was voted the 22nd-best game of all time by readers of ''[[Famitsu]]'' in 2006.<ref name="famitsu">{{cite web | author=Campbell, Colin | year=2006 | title=Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 | url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 | work=Next Generation | access-date=2006-03-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730204546/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 | archive-date=2009-07-30 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The game's characters were created by [[Tetsuya Nomura]],<ref name="Manual6">{{cite book | year=1999 | editor=Square Electronic Arts | title=Final Fantasy VIII North American instruction manual | pages=6–9 | publisher=Square Electronic Arts | id=SLUS-00892GH}}</ref> and were the first in the series to be realistically proportioned in all aspects. This graphical shift, as well as the cast itself, has [[#Reception|received generally positive reviews]] from gaming magazines and websites.<ref name="positive">{{cite web | year=1999 | title=Final Fantasy VIII at Metacritic | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-viii/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation | work=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=2007-03-15 | archive-date=2011-11-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109160329/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/final-fantasy-viii | url-status=live }}</ref>

The six main [[Player character|playable characters]] in ''Final Fantasy VIII'' are [[Squall Leonhart]], a loner who avoids vulnerability by focusing on his duty; [[Rinoa Heartilly]], an outspoken and passionate young woman who follows her heart; [[#Quistis Trepe|Quistis Trepe]], an instructor with a serious yet patient attitude; [[#Zell Dincht|Zell Dincht]], an energetic [[martial arts|martial artist]] with a fondness for hot dogs; [[Selphie Tilmitt]], a cheerful girl who loves trains and flies the airship Ragnarok; and [[#Irvine Kinneas|Irvine Kinneas]], a [[marksman]] and womanizer who uses his charm to mask his insecurities.<ref name="Manual6"/> Temporarily playable characters include [[Laguna Loire]], [[#Kiros Seagill|Kiros Seagill]], and [[#Ward Zabac|Ward Zabac]], who appear in "flashback" sequences; SeeD cadet-turned-antagonist [[#Seifer Almasy|Seifer Almasy]]; and sorceress [[Edea Kramer]]. The main antagonist is [[#Ultimecia|Ultimecia]], a sorceress from the future who wishes to compress time.
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==Concept and design==
[[File:Laguna squall1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Full motion video]] depictions of Laguna (left) and Squall, two of the main protagonists]]
In ''Final Fantasy'' games, scenario writer [[Kazushige Nojima]] stresses the dynamic of the relationship between the player and the main character; thus, he puts significant thought into how that relationship will develop. With ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'', protagonist [[Cloud Strife]]'s reserved nature led Nojima to include scenarios in which the player can select Cloud's responses to certain situations and dialogue. With ''Final Fantasy VIII'', which also features a reserved lead protagonist in Squall, Nojima wanted to give players insight into what the protagonist is thinking, even while other characters remain uninformed: this led to Squall's inner dialogues throughout the game.<ref name="interviews">{{cite web|author=Square-Enix North America Site Staff |year=2001 |title=Behind The Game The Creators |url=http://www.square-enix-usa.com/games/FFX/btg/creators.html#1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410062859/http://www.square-enix-usa.com/games/FFX/btg/creators.html |archive-date=2009-04-10 |work=Square-Enix North America |access-date=2006-04-12 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Character designer [[Tetsuya Nomura]], while exchanging e-mails with director [[Yoshinori Kitase]] between development of ''Final Fantasy VII'' and ''VIII'', suggested that the game should have a "school days" feel. Nojima approved of the idea, as he already had a story in mind in which the main characters were the same age. Thus, they created the concept of military academies, called "Gardens", in which students would train to become "SeeD" mercenaries. Nojima also planned for the two playable parties featured in the game—Squall's present day group and Laguna Loire's group from twenty years in the past—to highly contrast with each other. Laguna's group consists of a close-knit group of battle-hardened friends in their late twenties, while Squall's party is young and inexperienced and Squall himself does not initially understand the value of friendship.<ref name="sheila">{{cite web | author=Knight, Sheila | year=2003 | title=Tetsuya Nomura 20s | url=http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1 | work=FLAREgamer | access-date=2006-04-13 | archive-date=2013-04-20 | archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20130420015300/http://flaregamer.com/b2article.php?p=81&more=1 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Kitase desired to give the game a foreign atmosphere, with "foreign" being in relation to [[Japan]], ultimately deciding on a European setting. The first character Nomura designed specifically for ''Final Fantasy VIII'' was Squall,<ref name="development2">{{cite journal|author=Staff |date=5 June 1998 |title=インタビュー ファイナルファンタジーVIII |language=ja |trans-title=Interview with ''Final Fantasy VIII'' |url=http://PlayStationJapan.tripod.com/ff8iview2.html |journal=[[Famitsu Weekly]] |access-date=2006-07-15 |others=Coxon, Sachi (translator) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012055123/http://playstationjapan.tripod.com/ff8iview2.html |archive-date=2010-10-12}}</ref> initially giving him longer hair and a more feminine appearance. However, Kitase was unsatisfied and asked Nomura to shorten his hair and make him appear more masculine, which led to his current design. When designing Cloud, Nomura gave him distinct spiky, bright blonde hair to emphasize his role as protagonist. With Squall, Nomura wanted to try a unique angle to establish his role, giving him a characteristic gunblade scar across the bridge of his nose. At that point, the complete history of Squall's character was not yet conceived, so Nomura left the explanation for Squall's scar to Nojima. Squall's design was flourished by a fur lining along the collar of his jacket, included to challenge the game's [[full motion video]] designers, who were also developing ''[[Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within]]'' at the time. This is but one example of the demands he has consistently extended to the programmers of the series as technology has advanced.<ref name="sheila"/>

Most ''Final Fantasy'' games include summons: creatures who are brought into battle to attack enemies or support the party. In ''Final Fantasy VIII'', summons are called "Guardian Forces", or GFs. Nomura felt they should be unique beings, without clothes or other human-like concepts. This was problematic, as he did not want them to "become [like] the actual monsters", so he took great care in their designs.<ref name="sheila"/> Ramuh—an old wizard summon from earlier ''Final Fantasy'' games—was replaced; other human-like designs were re-imagined as nude figures or with creature-like elements. Nomura, also the director of the Guardian Force animation sequences, wanted to create a greater impact than the summon cinematics of ''Final Fantasy VII''. [[Leviathan in popular culture|Leviathan]] was created as a test and included in a [[game demo]]. After this garnered a positive reaction from players, Nomura decided to create the remaining sequences in a similar fashion.<ref name="sheila"/>

In a ''[[Famitsu|Famitsu Weekly]]'' interview with Kitase, Nomura, and Yuusuke Naoi, the team agreed that ''Final Fantasy VIII'' reflects Nomura's preferred technique, as opposed to ''VII'', which featured characters that "weren't really his style".<ref name="development2"/> The team also decided to use realistically proportioned characters. The higher level of full motion video technology would have otherwise created inconsistency between the in-game graphics and the higher definition full motion video graphics. Additionally, Kitase explained that the main logo of the game—Squall and Rinoa embracing—was inspired by the team's efforts to express emotion through body language.<ref name="development2"/>

==Creatures and races==
{{See also|Recurring elements in the Final Fantasy series#Common elements}}
The world of ''Final Fantasy VIII'' is predominantly occupied by humans. Another prominent race is the "Shumi", a small tribe of creatures with yellow skin and large arms that lives in an underground village on the Trabian continent.<ref name="shumiref">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Shumi Tribe''': A small tribe living in the northern region. Basically gentle in temperament, they maintain a relaxed lifestyle. Shumis have big, long arms that change as they grow. The results vary depending on their environment.}}</ref> The Shumi frown upon showing off their large hands; [[#NORG|NORG]], the owner of Balamb Garden, was exiled from the tribe for his ostentation. All Shumi undergo a biological [[metamorphosis]] at some point in their lives; a qualified Shumi will become an Elder while another may become a mute "Moomba". Moombas are covered in red fur, which the Shumi attribute to "the passionate ingenuity in their hearts".<ref name="shumiref2">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Sculptor:''' You don't know? Excluding the ones qualified to become Elders, all Shumis evolve at a certain stage of our lives. We become what is in our hearts. Often, those who fail to become honorable Elders turn into Moombas. The passionate ingenuity in their hearts gives rise to the red hair.}}</ref><ref name="shumiref3">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Elder:''' He told me that he felt sorry for the Moombas because they don't know any words. He said that words are useful and precious.}}</ref> Additionally, Moombas have appeared in several ''Final Fantasy'' spin-offs, including ''[[Chocobo World]]'' and ''[[Chocobo Racing]]''.

[[Chocobo]]s—large [[galliform]] birds that appear throughout the ''Final Fantasy'' series—are featured in the game. In the game, Chocobos are generally undomesticated and can be found in various forests throughout the world. Each forest has a minigame where the player must corral baby Chocobos to locate the mother. If the player catches a bird, a Chicobo, a baby Chocobo, named Boko will follow the player around.<ref name="cbworld">{{cite book | year=1999 | editor=Square Electronic Arts | title=Final Fantasy VIII North American instruction manual | pages=38–40 | publisher=Square Electronic Arts | id=SLUS-00892GH}}</ref> Boko has his own game, ''[[Chocobo World]]'', that can be downloaded from the [[PlayStation]] disc onto a [[PocketStation]] game unit.<ref name="cbworld"/><ref name="pocketstation">{{cite web | author=IGN site staff | year=1999 | title=FFVIII PocketStation Opens Up Chocobo World | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/068/068855p1.html | work=IGN | access-date=August 10, 2006 | archive-date=November 11, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111010847/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/16/ffviii-pocketstation-opens-up-chocobo-world | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Nobuo Uematsu]] created two Chocobo themes for ''Final Fantasy VIII'': "Mods de Chocobo" and "Odeka de Chocobo".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/reviews/chris/ff8.html|title=Final Fantasy VIII Original Soundtrack |publisher=Square Enix Music Online|access-date=2007-03-30| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927194404/http://www.squareenixmusic.com/reviews/chris/ff8.html|archive-date = September 27, 2007}}</ref>

''Final Fantasy VIII'' also features an array of common real world creatures, such as cats and dogs.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Laguna:''' "The only ones still left in town are old people, children, chocobos, dogs, and cats.}}</ref> The game also includes [[Final Fantasy monsters|numerous monsters]], many of which have appeared earlier in the series. Popular recurring monsters that appear in the game include Adamantoise, Behemoth, Bomb, [[Cactuar]], Iron Giant, Malboro, and [[Tonberry]].<ref name="FFVIIIGuide">{{cite book | author=Cassady, David | year=1999 | title=Official FINAL FANTASY VIII Strategy Guide | publisher=Brady Publishing | isbn=978-1-56686-903-4 | pages=197–238}}</ref>

==Playable characters==
[[File:FFVIIIgirls.jpg|thumb|From left, Tetsuya Nomura's designs of Selphie, Rinoa and Quistis. Unlike ''Final Fantasy VII'',  the game features realistically proportioned characters.<ref name="development2"/>]]
<!--The order of characters presented mimics that of the game manual, with one exception: Rinoa was moved up because she is the main female lead.-->

===Squall Leonhart===
{{Main|Squall Leonhart}}
{{Nihongo|Squall Leonhart|スコール・レオンハート|Sukōru Reonhāto}} is the main protagonist of ''Final Fantasy VIII''. He is a young student at Balamb Garden who is identifiable by the scar on his face that a fellow student, [[#Seifer Almasy|Seifer]], inflicted. He rarely speaks and has the reputation of being a lone wolf.<ref name="Manual6"/> As Squall's story unfolds, he becomes fascinated with and falls in love with Rinoa,<ref name="Manual6"/> despite never outwardly expressing his love until the ending.<ref name="ignreview">{{cite web|author=Lundigran, Jeff |year=1999 |title=IGN: Final Fantasy VIII Review |url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/153/153847p1.html |work=IGN |access-date=2006-07-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211123532/http://psx.ign.com/articles/153/153847p1.html |archive-date=2009-02-11}}</ref> Squall is characterized by forlorn memories of standing out in the rain at the [[orphanage]] where he grew up, wondering where "[[#Ellone|Sis]]" went.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Squall:''' I was always waiting for "Sis" [Ellone] to come back.}}</ref><ref name="Ellone">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Squall:''' Elle...Ellone. So, Ellone was "Sis". She was a bit older than us, and we all used to call her "Sis". Quistis, Zell, Selphie, Irvine, Seifer, Ellone and myself... Yeah...I'm not sure what the meaning behind all this is, but we were definitely together.}}</ref> Squall wields a [[pistol sword|gunblade]], a [[sword]] that uses components of a [[revolver]] to send vibrations through the blade when triggered.<ref name="ff8ult">{{cite book | year = 1999 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy VIII Ultimania | publisher = DigiCube/Square-Enix | language=ja | isbn = 978-4-925075-49-7 | page=43}}</ref> His Limit Break is ''Renzokuken'', a series of sword strikes.<ref name="LimitBreak">{{cite book | year=1999 | editor=Square Electronic Arts | title=Final Fantasy VIII North American instruction manual | publisher=Square Electronic Arts | id=SLUS-00892GH | page=21}}</ref> It is later explained that the "Guardian Forces" (GF) which the SeeDs use in battle, causes [[memory loss]], which is why Squall does not remember Ellone, Edea, and his past in the orphanage.

===Rinoa Heartilly===
{{Main|Rinoa Heartilly}}
{{Nihongo|Rinoa Heartilly|リノア・ハーティリー|Rinoa Hātirī}} is the primary female protagonist of ''Final Fantasy VIII''. She has black hair with brown highlights. She is the 17-year-old<ref name="Manual6"/> daughter of [[#General Fury Caraway|General Caraway]], a high-ranking officer in the Galbadian army, and [[#Julia Heartilly|Julia Heartilly]], a successful [[pianist]] and singer. She is a member of the [[#Forest Owls|Forest Owls]], a resistance faction seeking to liberate the small nation of Timber from Galbadian occupation.<ref name="CarawayandJulia">'''Kiros:''' "Heard she recently got married." / '''Raine:''' "Oh yeah! To some army general, right? General Caraway or something?" / '''Kiros:''' "I'm not too sure." / '''Raine:''' "I read in a magazine that her true love went off to war and never came back. General Caraway comforted her while she was feeling down. That's how they got to know each other." (''Final Fantasy VIII''</ref><ref name="Caraway">'''Squall:''' "Where's Rinoa?" / '''General Caraway:''' "She has not receive the type of training you all have, and may become a burden. It's for the best that she stays out of this operation." / '''Selphie:''' "So you're Rinoa's father?" / '''General Caraway:''' "I can't remember the last time she called me that." / '''Zell:''' "So the father's a top military officer, and the daughter's a member of an anti-government faction!? That's bad... Really BAD!" / '''General Caraway:''' "Yes, indeed. It's a serious problem. But it doesn't concern you. It's our problem." {''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> When Squall and his party of SeeD help the resistance movement fight Galbadia, Rinoa decides to stay with them; as a result, she ends up falling in love with Squall.<ref name="ignreview"/> She is outspoken, spirited, emotional, and honest with her feelings, speaking her mind without reservation.<ref name="Manual6"/> Because of her ambition, she can often be stubborn.<ref name="Manual6"/>

In battle, she wields the "Blaster Edge",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/rinoa.html |title=Final Fantasy VIII Characters – Rinoa |publisher=SquareEnix.com |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310223326/http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/zell.html |archive-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> which consists of an arm holster and a projectile that returns like a [[boomerang]]. In her ''Combine'' Limit Break, she attacks in unison with her dog, Angelo.<ref name="LimitBreak"/> When Rinoa gains Sorceress powers, she acquires a second Limit Break, ''Angel Wing'', which increases her spell-casting ability, along with rendering her in a state of "magic" berserk for the remainder of the battle.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/Official_US_PlayStation_Magazine_Volume_3_Issue_1_1999-10_Ziff_Davis_US#page/n156/mode/1up/|title=Weapon Upgrading |magazine=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine |volume= 3|issue= 1 |author=Ziff Davis|location= US |date= October 1999|access-date=2014-07-05}}</ref>

===Laguna Loire===
{{Nihongo|Laguna Loire|ラグナ・レウァール|Raguna Rewāru}} is a man whose past and relation to the main characters are revealed throughout the game. Most sequences involving Laguna appear in the form of "[[dream]]s" experienced by the primary protagonists. Squall always experiences these dreams from Laguna's point of view, although he does not think too highly of Laguna.<ref name="moron">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=[[PlayStation]] |quote='''Squall:''' (I had a dream, too. It wasn't nice though...I dreamt I was a moron.)}}</ref><ref name="badattitude">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Squall:''' You were a silly Galbadian soldier. I didn't like your attitude at all.}}</ref> Laguna wields a [[machine gun]] and his Limit Break is ''Desperado'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/laguna.html |title=Final Fantasy VIII Characters – Laguna |publisher=SquareEnix.com |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310223326/http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/zell.html |archive-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> which involves a swinging rope, a grenade, and a barrage of bullets. In the dream segments, he is shown to be a twenty-seven-year-old soldier in the Galbadian army who travels with his companions, [[#Kiros Seagill|Kiros Seagill]] and [[#Ward Zabac|Ward Zabac]].<ref name="Manual6"/> He is also an aspiring [[journalist]].<ref name="Manual6"/>

During the first two dream segments, Laguna and his team are shown getting lost and visiting the hotel where [[#Julia Heartilly|Julia Heartilly]], Laguna's romantic interest, performs.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Kiros:''' Don't tell me we're lost again. / '''Laguna:''' Anyway...we're goin' home. Deling City, here we come!}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Ward:''' So, Laguna... Julia should be making her appearance soon. You goin' for it tonight?}}</ref> After a scouting mission at Centra, the three are separated and Laguna is injured. A young woman named [[#Raine|Raine]] nurses him back to health after he is brought to Winhill.<ref name="Ellonenursing">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Laguna:''' I was bedridden for over 6 months. It seemed like every bone in my body was in pieces. / '''Raine:''' I nursed him back to health.}}</ref> He falls in love with and marries her, but is drawn away from his new home when a young girl in their care, Ellone, is kidnapped. Laguna tracks her down in Esthar, where he helps liberate the nation from the despotic rule of [[#Adel|Sorceress Adel]]. The people of Esthar elect Laguna as their president and Ellone is sent back to Winhill without him.<ref name="Lagunastory2">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation]|quote='''Laguna:''' A fierce debate ensued about who should govern this country after Adel was gone. I wasn't paying close attention while they made me up to be this hero of the revolution, and I ended up being president.}}</ref> After Raine dies, her child, whom Ward and Kiros imply to be Squall in a conversation aboard the ''Ragnarok'', and Ellone are sent to an orphanage.<ref name="Lagunastory1">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Laguna''': ...Ellone was raised by Raine who lived next door. And I came to know her. Then there was another massive hunt for a successor in Esthar again. Elle was taken away[...]so I rescued her and sent her off to Winhill. Shortly after that, Raine died. And Ellone was sent straight to an orphanage...}}</ref> Laguna is unable to leave his post to visit her and remains president of Esthar to the present day.<ref name="Lagunastory3">{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Laguna:''' My job kept me busy. I was left here thinking about this and that and before I knew it, all this time had passed.}}</ref> Ellone and Laguna are later reunited in space,<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Final Fantasy VIII]] |developer=Square Co., Ltd. |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation |quote='''Laguna:''' Ellone followed me out to space. Little Elle was all grown up... Then she told me everything.}}</ref> and Laguna helps the party prepare for their fight against [[#Ultimecia|Ultimecia]].

The concept of two main characters was planned since the beginning of the game's development. Nomura tried to create a contrast between Laguna's and Squall's occupations; thus, Laguna became a soldier with light-hearted charisma, and Squall became a reserved mercenary student. The designers intended Laguna to be more similar to the previous protagonists in the series to complement Squall, who is different from the previous main characters.<ref name="sheila"/> Laguna is ranked seventh in ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'''s list of the top ten video game politicians.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Sharkey |first=Scott |date=November 2008 |title=EGM's Top Ten Videogame Politicians: Election time puts us in a voting mood |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=234 |page=97}}</ref>

Laguna Loire appears in ''[[Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy]]'', where he is voiced by [[Hiroaki Hirata]] in Japanese and Armando Valdes-Kennedy in English. He is featured in his youthful ''Final Fantasy VIII'' appearance, as well as his older and Galbadian soldier forms. His knight costume is also available as [[downloadable content]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comup2/dissidia_fourth_form_costumes/|title=Sephiroth and Laguna Costumes Hit Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Next Week|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-date=December 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225043218/http://andriasang.com/comup2/dissidia_fourth_form_costumes/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was also planned to appear in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'' as the head of Mirage Arena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comssv/nomura_takahashi_dissidia/|title=Nomura and Takahashi on Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy|publisher=Andriasang|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-date=December 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225034014/http://andriasang.com/comssv/nomura_takahashi_dissidia/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Seifer Almasy===
{{Nihongo|Seifer Almasy|サイファー・アルマシー|Saifā Arumashī}} is a classmate and rival of Squall, who is a playable character during the Dollet sequence. He reappears as a [[Boss (video games)|boss]] later in the game. He acts as a [[Foil (narrative)|foil]] to Squall in many aspects, having dated Rinoa before she met Squall,<ref name="autogenerated1">'''Rinoa:''' "I don't really know. I... I think it was love. I wonder how [Seifer] felt...? ...It was last summer... I was 16." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> and assuming a leadership position among his friends.<ref name="Posse1">'''Raijin:''' "Seifer has a lot of followers, but we're his only friends... We're a posse, ya know...? The Galbadian soldiers are only listening to Seifer 'cause they fear the sorceress. Without us, Seifer wouldn't have a posse, ya know...?" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Like Squall, Seifer wields a gunblade which he calls "[[Hyperion (Titan)|Hyperion]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/seifer.html |title=Final Fantasy VIII Characters – Seifer |publisher=SquareEnix.com |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310223326/http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/zell.html |archive-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> His Limit Break, ''Fire Cross'', allows him to use the attack ''No Mercy''. He later uses the more powerful techniques ''Demon Slice'' and ''Bloodfest'' against the player. Seifer has a short temper and is often depicted as a bully who desires attention.<ref>'''Seifer:''' "NAH-NA-NA-NA-NA-NAH!!!" / '''Boy Zell:''' "Stop teasing me, Seifer!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref><ref name="SeiferSquall">'''Quistis:''' "Yes! That's right! Seifer was a kid who always needed to be the center of attention. But Squall always used to ignore him... But eventually they would end up fighting." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> He is also fiercely independent and is often punished for his recklessness.<ref name="CidSeifer">'''Headmaster Cid:''' "Seifer. You will be disciplined for your irresponsible behavior. You must follow orders exactly during combat. But I'm not entirely without sympathy for you." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> He is the leader of Balamb Garden's disciplinary committee alongside his friends [[#Fujin|Fujin]] and [[#Raijin|Raijin]]. After joining Ultimecia, he becomes the leader of the Galbadian army.

During the introduction sequence, Seifer cuts Squall across the left side of his face with his gunblade, leaving a scar. Squall retaliates with a backhand slash that leaves Seifer with a mirrored scar. At the following field exam in Dollet, Seifer acts independently from his teammates Squall and [[#Zell Dincht|Zell]], abandoning them; consequently, he fails and is not promoted to SeeD.<ref name="CidSeifer"/> Spurred by dreams of a brighter future, he [[defection|defects]] to [[#Edea Kramer|Sorceress Edea]] to be her "knight".<ref name="knight">'''Seifer:''' "I was hoping you'd be there, Squall. So... how'd I look in my moment of triumph? My childhood dream, fulfilled. I've become the sorceress' knight." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> From his point of view, Squall and the others are "evil" and he recognizes himself as a hero.<ref>'''Seifer:''' "What did you say!? Passed out cold, eh? This is the scene where you swear your undying hatred for me! The tale of the evil mercenary vs. the sorceress' knight... The fun's just started, Squall. Don't disappoint me now!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> After she brainwashes him, he alienates himself from his friends. Eventually, Fujin and Raijin abandon him and he is defeated shortly afterward.<ref name="Fujinspeech">'''Fujin:''' "You're being manipulated, Seifer. You've lost yourself and your dream. You're just eating out of someone's hand. We want the old you back! Since we can't get through to you, all we have now to rely on is Squall!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Following Edea's defeat, the party confronts Seifer one last time as he now serves Ultimecia, and either they or [[Gilgamesh (Final Fantasy)|Gilgamesh]] defeat him. Seifer escapes, kidnapping Rinoa and bringing her to Adel. At the end of the game, Seifer is seen fishing and having fun with Fujin and Raijin.

Nomura had originally intended Seifer to be not only Squall's rival, but also part of the [[love triangle]] between him, Squall, and Rinoa. Although this concept was scrapped in the final script, Seifer remains Squall's rival, with his appearance being designed to contrast with his. They have equivalent but mirrored scars on their faces and their jackets are of opposing colors and lengths. Both wield gunblades, but Squall's gunblade is larger and requires two hands, while Seifer's gunblade is lighter and can be wielded with one hand.<ref name="sheila"/> A younger version of Seifer appears in ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'' as a member of the Twilight Town Disciplinary Committee alongside Fujin and Raijin. Seifer's counterpart in the virtual Twilight Town is a rival of [[Roxas (Kingdom Hearts)|Roxas]], and at one point mentions that he does not wish to cooperate with destiny.<ref name="KH2gamespot">{{cite web | author=Gouskos, Carrie | date=2006-03-28 | title=Kingdom Hearts II for PlayStation 2 Review | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/review.html | work=GameSpot | access-date=2006-12-15 | archive-date=2009-02-10 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210035021/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/kingdomhearts2/review.html | url-status=live }}</ref> He is voiced by [[Takehito Koyasu]] in Japanese and [[Will Friedle]] in English. He is also featured in ''[[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy]]'' as a sub-character representing ''Final Fantasy VIII''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/26/theatrhythm-final-fantasys-second-tier-stars/|title=Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy's Second Tier Stars|publisher=Siliconera|date=November 12, 2011|access-date=July 1, 2012|archive-date=June 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620174815/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/26/theatrhythm-final-fantasys-second-tier-stars/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The book ''Converging Traditions in the Digital Moving Image: Architectures of Illusion, Images of Truth'' discusses that while Seifer is seen as a show-off and a troublemaker, Squall identifies with him regardless.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_UozK9smjVcC&q=Seifer+%22Final+Fantasy+VIII%22&pg=PA60|title=Architectures of Illusion|isbn=978-1841500454|last1=Thomas|first1=Maureen|last2=Penz|first2=François|year=2003}}</ref> [[IGN]] listed Seifer as the 91st best video game villain, stating that he makes for a great rival due to the similarities between him and Squall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/videogame-villains/91.html |title=Seifer is number 91 |publisher=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618060715/http://www.ign.com/videogame-villains/91.html |archive-date=2010-06-18 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Quistis Trepe===
{{Nihongo|Quistis Trepe|キスティス・トゥリープ|Kisutisu Turīpu}} is an eighteen-year-old instructor at Balamb Garden, where Squall, Zell, and Seifer are students.<ref name="Manual6"/> She wields a [[chain whip]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/quistis.html |title=Final Fantasy VIII Characters – Quistis |publisher=SquareEnix.com |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310223326/http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/zell.html |archive-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> and her Limit Break, ''[[Final Fantasy character classes#Blue Mage|Blue Magic]]'', a common ability found throughout the ''Final Fantasy'' games, allows her to imitate monsters' attacks.<ref name="LimitBreak"/> Early on in the game, Quistis is discharged as an instructor because she "[lacks] leadership qualities".<ref>'''Quistis:''' "They told me that I failed as an instructor. Basically, that I lacked leadership qualities." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Afterwards, she maintains a more informal relationship with the other characters as a fellow member of SeeD.

As a child, Quistis stayed at an orphanage with most of the main characters. She then lived with [[foster care|foster parents]], with whom she never developed any intimacy, before moving to Balamb Garden<ref>Rinoa: So Quistis attended classes here.</ref> at age ten.<ref>'''Quistis:''' "I... remember. Yes, I remember now. Things didn't work out too well at my new home. So I came to Garden at the age of 10. That was when I was first noticed Seifer and Squall. Seifer and Squall were always fighting." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> She became a SeeD at fifteen and an instructor two years later.<ref name="Manual6"/><ref>'''Quistis:''' I was a SeeD by the age of 15, got my instructor license at 17."</ref> By this time, she has become very popular, having numerous fans who identify themselves as "Trepies". Quistis initially joins Squall to prepare him for his upcoming field exam. She later takes Squall into her confidence and tells him personally about her demotion.<ref>'''Squall:''' "It's after midnight." / '''Quistis:''' "Oh well... I, Quistis Trepe, am no longer an instructor as of now! I'm a member of SeeD now, just like you. Who knows, maybe we'll end up working together." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Squall rudely tells her to go "talk to a wall" and not burden him with her problems. When Irvine refreshes the main characters' memories about the orphanage, they remember that Squall's asocial behavior began when Ellone, an older sister figure to him, unexpectedly left the orphanage. As a result of these revelations, Quistis recognizes that her feelings for Squall are more sisterly than romantic.<ref name="quistislove">'''Quistis:''' "I couldn't stop thinking about Squall. I thought it was... love. I had to hide my feelings because I was an instructor, but I've come to realize it wasn't. It was my childhood feelings as a big sister that lingered... Oh well..." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Later, she criticizes Squall when he nearly abandons Rinoa, his romantic interest.<ref>'''Quistis:''' "Oh! Stop that! What are you talking about!? Why did you go all the way out into space to save Rinoa!? To hand her over to Esthar!? So that you might never see her again!? No, right!? Wasn't it because you wanted to be with Rinoa? You're a fool." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref>

When designing the characters, Nomura wanted at least one female character to wear a skirt. Quistis was originally supposed to fill this part, but Nomura decided a long skirt worn over pants would look better. The role was eventually passed to Selphie. Nomura was surprised when the writers cast her as a teacher, despite being around the same age as the rest of the group.<ref name="sheila"/>

Quistis also appears in ''[[World of Final Fantasy]]'' where she is voiced by [[Miyuki Sawashiro]] in Japanese and Kristina Pesic in English.

===Selphie Tilmitt===
{{Main|Selphie Tilmitt}}
{{Nihongo|Selphie Tilmitt|セルフィ・ティルミット|Serufi Tirumitto}} is a student at Balamb Garden who recently transferred from Trabia Garden. She first appears when running into Squall while late for class, asking him to show her around due to having recently transferred. During the Dollet exam, Selphie joins Squall's team after Seifer abandons them.<ref>'''Girl:''' "Are you... Squad B? Wait a minute... You're the guy who showed me around, right!? Thanks! I don't get so lost anymore. Oh yeah, I haven't told you my name yet. I'm... a messenger. Name's Selphie, from Squad A." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> She becomes a full-fledged SeeD alongside Squall and Zell, and the three are assigned to the same team. She participates in many extracurricular activities, such as planning the Garden Festival<ref>'''Girl:''' "I know! I know! It's the Garden Festival! It's going to be great! I'm planning to be on the committee. You wanna help out, too!?" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> and running the school's website. Selphie wields [[nunchaku]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/selphie.html |title=Final Fantasy VIII Characters – Selphie |publisher=SquareEnix.com |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310223618/http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/selphie.html|archive-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> and her Limit Break ''Slot'' allows the player to cast a random spell numerous times as well as certain magic used in her limit break.<ref name="LimitBreak"/> She is also the pilot of the starship Ragnarok.<ref>'''Selphie:''' "It just kinda took off! I don't know. It's pretty easy. I think it'll be fine. But there's no guarantee it won't crash!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref>

===Zell Dincht===
{{Nihongo|Zell Dincht|ゼル・ディン|Zeru Din}} is a student at Balamb Garden with Squall and Seifer. He is seventeen years old,<ref name="Manual6"/> and is a [[martial arts|martial artist]] who fits the role of an unarmed character. Zell wields gloves and attacks with punches and kicks,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/zell.html |title=Final Fantasy VIII Characters – Zell |publisher=SquareEnix.com |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310223326/http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/zell.html |archive-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> and his Limit Break, ''Duel'', requires the player to input button combinations to deal damage.<ref name="LimitBreak"/> Zell is slightly impulsive and overconfident in his skills, but is loyal to his friends.<ref name="Manual6"/> Seifer gives him the nickname "''chicken-wuss''", which infuriates him.<ref>'''Squall:''' "...I don't know about that. Perhaps anyone but the Chicken-wuss can make it." / '''Zell:''' "WHAT DID YOU SAYYYYY!!!?" / '''Selphie:''' "...Hm? Since you're so angry, I guess you're the Chicken-wuss." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> He also has a passion for hot dogs; a recurring gag is that they are always sold out by the time he reaches the cafeteria. Only at the end of the game he can have all the hotdogs he wants and almost chokes on them.

Zell lived at the same orphanage as many of the other protagonists; where Seifer first began to bully him. Later on, the Dincht family adopted him in the town of Balamb.<ref>'''Zell:''' "I don't care if I forget about my childhood, when Seifer used to pick on me. What's important to me now is having the power to protect my parents in Balamb. They adopted me. There's no way I'm lettin' go of that power!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> His motivation for enrolling at Garden is to live up to the memory of his grandfather, a famous soldier.<ref name="Manual6"/>

Zell was designed to look and act like the main character of a [[shōnen]] [[manga]];<ref name="sheila"/> his neighbors in Balamb describe him as a "'comic-bookish' type of hero".<ref name="battle">{{cite book | year =1999 | editor=BradyGAMES Staff | title=Final Fantasy VIII Official Strategy Guide | publisher = BradyGAMES Publishing | isbn = 978-1-56686-903-4 | page=16}}</ref> He also thinks of himself as Seifer's rival, despite not being the main character.<ref>'''Zell:''' "Seifer... My archenemy..." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> The inspiration for the tattoo on his face came from an [[MTV]] [[music video]] featuring a man with a [[full body tattoo]].<ref name="sheila"/>

Zell's ultimate weapon is named ''[[Ehrgeiz]]'', referencing the game which released around the same time as ''Final Fantasy VIII''. Like Tifa, he fights using gloves and [[martial arts]], and has a Limit Break called ''Dolphin Blow'', which was also one of  Tifa's Limit Breaks. His final Limit Break is ''My Final Heaven'', while Tifa's was called ''Final Heaven''.

He is voiced by [[Noriaki Sugiyama]] in Japanese.

===Irvine Kinneas===
{{Nihongo|Irvine Kinneas|アーヴァイン・キニアス|Āvain Kiniasu}} is a student at Galbadia Garden, one of the three mercenary academies in the game. He is one of the Garden's elite sharpshooters,<ref>'''Martine:''' "Don't worry about it. Let me introduce an elite sharpshooter from Galbadia Garden. Kinneas! Irvine Kinneas!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> and wields a rifle.<ref name="irvinebio">{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/irvine.html |title=Final Fantasy VIII Characters – Irvine |publisher=SquareEnix.com |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310223648/http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/irvine.html |archive-date=March 10, 2007}}</ref> His Limit Break is ''Shot'', which deals damage and inflicts [[status effect]]s depending on the type of ammunition.<ref name="LimitBreak"/> Irvine is depicted as a [[cowboy]], and is tall and fair-skinned with long brown hair worn in a ponytail.<ref name="sheila"/> He also enjoys [[flirting]] with the female characters,<ref>'''Irvine:''' "Call me Irvine. I'm a pretty lucky guy. Hand in hand with two beautiful girls!" / '''Selphie:''' "Irvy Kinnepooo! I'll make you happy!" / '''Squall:''' (Did I say something terrible? Women... I don't understand women.) (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> and is known for his marksmanship.<ref name="irvinebio"/> He acts like a carefree, but misunderstood loner,<ref>'''Irvine:''' "No one understands me... Sharpshooters are loners by nature... We hone our instincts, pour our whole being into a single bullet. The pressure of the moment... An instant of tension... That's what... I have to face alone... ...It's not easy. So like... Just do me a favor, and let me be! You get my drift?" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> but this is merely a façade to charm women and hide his lack of confidence.<ref name="choke">'''Irvine:''' "I... I can't... I'm sorry, I can't do it. I always choke like this... I try to act all cool, joke around, but I just can't handle the pressure..." / '''Squall:''' "Forget it. Just shoot." / '''Irvine:''' "My bullet... The sorceress... I'll go down in history. I'd change the history of Galbadia... Of the world! It's all too much..." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref>

After Sorceress Edea becomes the Galbadian ambassador, Balamb and Galbadia Gardens order Squall's team to assassinate her; Irvine is introduced as the sniper for the mission. Moments before the assassination attempt, he explains to Squall that he does not perform well under pressure. Despite this, he fires an accurate shot, but Edea uses magic to stop the bullet.<ref name="choke"/> At Trabia Garden, Irvine reveals that he and most of the other party members had lived in the same orphanage, run by Cid and Edea Kramer. However, the others could not remember this because of their use of [[Final Fantasy character classes#Summoner|Guardian Forces]] (GF), magical beings who cause severe long-term [[memory loss]] as a side effect.<ref>'''Squall:''' "...Why is it that we forgot? We grew up together as kids... How's that possible...?" / '''Irvine:''' "How about this? ...The price we pay for using the GF. The GF provides us its power. But the GF makes its own place inside our brain..." / '''Quistis:''' "So you're saying that the area is where our memories are stored? No...! That's just a rumor the GF critics are spreading." / '''Zell:''' "So if we keep relying on the GF, we won't be able to remember a lot of things?" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Because Irvine had not used a GF until he joined the party, he is able to remember his past.<ref>'''Irvine:''' "Then how is it that I remember, while everyone else has forgotten? Well...? In my case, I hadn't junctioned a GF until recently. That's why I remember a lot more than you guys." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> During the game, Irvine gradually becomes closer to Selphie,<ref>'''Irvine:''' "Selphie... We're destined to be together!" / '''Selphie:''' "Y-Yeah right...!" / '''Irvine:''' "A sigh of love?"</ref> acting on the feelings he had since living with her at the orphanage.<ref name="Selvine">'''Irvine:''' "I really liked this girl, and it made me so happy just talking to her." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref>

With Irvine, Nomura tried to strike a balance between not overshadowing Squall and not becoming too unattractive. He gave Irvine a handsome appearance but a casual personality, hoping that this would make him less attractive than Squall. Keeping with this idea, Nomura gave him goggles, but this idea was abandoned in favor of an American cowboy-like appearance to set him apart from other characters in the ''Final Fantasy'' series who wore goggles.<ref name="sheila"/>

He is voiced by [[Daisuke Hirakawa]] in Japanese.

===Kiros Seagill===
{{Nihongo|Kiros Seagill|キロス・シーゲル|Kirosu Shīgeru}} is one of Laguna's comrades in the Galbadian Army. He wields a pair of [[Katar (dagger)|katar]] (कटार) or gauntlet-daggers, which are called katal in the English version. He uses them to slice his enemies in his Limit Break, ''Blood Pain''. Following the failed mission in Centra, Kiros is separated from Laguna and Ward. He heals quickly and decides to leave the Galbadian army, but soon finds that life without Laguna lacks excitement. His subsequent search for Laguna brings him to Winhill after nearly a year.<ref>'''Kiros:''' "Thank you, for taking care of Laguna. I was able to recover in about a month or so. Ever since then... I've been searching for you." / '''Laguna:''' "Why?" / '''Kiros:''' "After leaving the army... Well, just killing time I guess. Life's pretty boring without you as entertainment, my man." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> When Laguna is forced to leave Winhill to find Ellone, Kiros accompanies him, helping him earn money as an amateur actor to fund the expedition.<ref>'''Laguna:''' "Why the heck do I have to do this!?" / '''Kiros:''' "'Cause we have no money." / '''Ward:''' "......" / '''Laguna:''' "Alright, I'm sorry!!! Yeah, so it's kinda my fault that we stayed at the hotel so often. But heck, I'm not cut out to be an actor!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Kiros remains by Laguna's side throughout his adventures in Esthar, earning a place as Laguna's advisor when he becomes president. Like Ward, Kiros' interactions with Laguna are based on the staff's interactions during development.<ref name="sheila"/>

===Ward Zabac===
{{Nihongo|Ward Zabac|ウォード・ザバック|Wōdo Zabakku}} is Laguna's other comrade. He is an imposing man who wields a large harpoon, which he uses in his Limit Break, ''Massive Anchor'', to crush his opponents from above. During the incident at Centra, he loses his voice in a battle with Esthar soldiers.<ref name="Wardvoice">'''Kiros:''' "Oh, and he never got his voice back. You could basically tell what he wants from his facial expressions." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> After being separated from Laguna and Kiros, he becomes a janitor at the D-District Prison. When Laguna becomes president of Esthar, Ward joins Kiros as an advisor, directing affairs with gestures and [[ellipsis|ellipses]]. Laguna and Kiros can understand what he is saying by his reactions.<ref name="Wardvoice"/> Like Kiros, Ward's interactions with Laguna are based on the staff's interactions during development.<ref name="sheila"/>

===Edea Kramer===
{{main|Edea Kramer}}
{{Nihongo|Edea Kramer|イデア・クレイマー|Idea Kureimā}} is initially presented as a power-hungry sorceress who seizes control of Galbadia from [[#Vinzer Deling|President Deling]].<ref name="Edeaspeech">'''Edea:''' "...Lowlifes. ...Shameless filthy wretches. How you celebrate my ascension with such joy. Hailing the very one you have condemned for generations. Have you no shame? What happened to the evil, ruthless sorceress from your fantasies? The cold-blooded tyrant that slaughtered countless men and destroyed many nations? Where is she now? She stands before your very eyes to become your new ruler." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Her motives are unknown, but SeeD dispatches Squall to assassinate her. The mission fails after an unknown entity possesses [[Rinoa Heartilly|Rinoa]] and Edea sends a bolt of ice through Squall's chest.<ref>{{Citation | last=ZarathustraAlsoSpoke | title=Final Fantasy VIII – Edea's Parade | date=2010-03-09 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRQCyOGTOBA | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/VRQCyOGTOBA | archive-date=2021-11-14 | url-status=live | access-date=2017-10-17}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It is later revealed that Edea is the wife of [[#Cid Kramer|Headmaster Cid]],<ref name="CidandEdea">'''Laguna:''' "The owners of the orphanage were Cid Kramer and his wife Edea." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> and was known as "Matron" to [[#Squall Leonhart|Squall]] and the kids that lived at the orphanage.<ref>'''Irvine:''' "Look alike? Nah, that's not it. Matron's name is Edea Kramer. Matron IS Sorceress Edea." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> It is also revealed that Edea was not acting of her own will, but was possessed by a sorceress from the future named [[#Ultimecia|Ultimecia]].<ref>'''Edea:''' "You are SeeDs. You cannot back out of a battle, I know. You were magnificent. However, it is not over yet. At anytime, I may... ...I have been possessed all this time. I was at the mercy of Sorceress Ultimecia." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> After Ultimecia's control over her is broken, Edea takes the side of the SeeDs in the struggle and joins Squall's party for a short time. However, she accidentally gives her powers to [[#Rinoa Heartilly|Rinoa]], making her a sorceress.<ref>'''Squall:''' (Ultimecia!? The future sorceress is inside Rinoa!? ...Transferred from Edea? Where's Rinoa!!!?" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Being a sorceress, Edea attacks with magical bursts of energy; her Limit Break, ''Ice Strike'', consists of a magically conjured [[icicle]] being hurled like a [[javelin]].

==Other characters==
===Adel===
{{Nihongo|Adel|アデル|Aderu}} is a sorceress from Esthar who initiated the Sorceress War some years ago before the start of the game. As the ruler of Esthar, she ordered her soldiers to abduct girls to find a suitable successor for her powers, including  [[#Ellone|Ellone]].<ref name="Lagunastory1"/> During the Esthar revolution, [[#Laguna Loire|Laguna]] and [[#Dr. Odine|Dr. Odine]] devised an artifact to cancel her power and placed her in [[suspended animation]] in outer space.<ref>'''Narrative:''' Adel was careless. She may be a sorceress, but after all, she was human. We succeeded... But... we couldn't keep such a dangerous sorceress around as a trophy. We had to do something... So... we decided to send her far, far away... Some place very far... Into outer space..." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> In the present, after [[#Edea Kramer|Edea]] is released from [[#Ultimecia|Ultimecia's]] control, Ultimecia possesses [[#Rinoa Heartilly|Rinoa]] and commands her to free Adel so she can become Ultimecia's new and more powerful vessel.<ref>'''Piet:''' "If that's the case, we definitely have to stop her. If she plans to free Adel, she'll have to go out there. The Level 2 Seal is located on Adel's Tomb." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> However, after Adel is successfully freed, Rinoa is discarded as a host, but to defeat Ultimecia, Dr. Odine plans for Ultimecia to once again possess Rinoa. Eventually, Squall's party defeats Adel when she tries to absorb Rinoa at the Lunatic Pandora, and so Adel's powers are transferred to Rinoa,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote='''Laguna:''' Adel will need to pass on her powers before being defeated. Rinoa, will you be willing to accept them?}}</ref> Ultimecia possesses her again, and using Ellone's powers, they start "Time Compression", leading to the final battle.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy VIII |developer=Square Co |publisher=Square EA |date=1999-09-09 |platform=PlayStation|quote='''Doc Odine:''' There is only one way to defeat Ultimecia. You must kill her in the future. / ... / Ultimecia probably needs to go back further in time to achieve time compression. Only Ellone can take her back further into the past. / ... / You will keep moving through the time compression toward the future. Once you're out of the time compression, that will be Ultimecia's world. It's all up to you after zat.}}</ref>

===Cid Kramer===
{{See also|Character design of Final Fantasy#Cid|l1=Characters named Cid in the rest of the series}}
{{Nihongo|Cid Kramer|シド・クレイマー|Shido Kureimā}} is the headmaster of Balamb Garden. After the failed assassination attempt on Edea, the Garden Master, [[#NORG|NORG]], attempts to seize power from Cid and reconcile with Edea.<ref name="NORGloyalty">'''NORG:''' "Bujurururu! Offer-the-seed's-head-on-a-silver-platter-
AND-PRETEND-WE-OBEY-THE-SORCERESS!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> This sparks an internal conflict, in which the students and personnel side with either Cid or NORG,<ref name="SeeDWar">'''Raijin:''' "I dunno. At first, they were sayin' somethin' 'bout roundin' up the SeeDs, ya know!? Now, everyone's either sidin' with the Garden Master or the headmaster and fightin' everywhere, ya know!?" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> but Squall and [[#Minor SeeD members|Xu]] quell the conflict and return Cid to power. Afterward, Cid confronts NORG, who started the conflict over financial issues.<ref>'''Headmaster Cid:''' "Dammit! I should've never trusted you! I wish I could go back ten or so years. To tell myself that you're nothing but a money grubbing son-of-a-bitch! Then I would've never built this place." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Cid is the husband of Sorceress Edea, with whom he ran an orphanage and founded the SeeD organization. They are estranged for most of the game because they lead opposing factions until Ultimecia releases her magical possession of Edea.

Because most ''Final Fantasy'' titles include a character named "Cid", Nomura wanted to design someone with differences from the past Cids in the series. He gave this version of Cid the appearance and personality of an older, benevolent character who would watch over Squall's party and offer them advice and motivation. Nojima decided that this type of good-natured character would work best as the headmaster of Balamb Garden.<ref name="sheila"/>

===Ellone===
{{Nihongo|Ellone|エルオーネ|Eruōne}} is a mysterious girl who is the missing "Sis" of Squall's past.<ref name="Ellone"/> She has the ability to send a person's [[consciousness]] back in time and into the body of another, so they can experience the actions of that person. She uses this to send Squall's party into [[#Laguna Loire|Laguna's]] past adventures, hoping that they would alter the past, but eventually realizes that her abilities can view history, not alter it.<ref>'''Ellone:''' "You can't change the past. I just found that out. When I was kidnapped, Uncle Laguna went on a journey to find me... But because he did, Uncle Laguna wasn't able to be by Raine's side when she died. Raine wanted to show Laguna her new born baby... Raine kept calling out for Laguna. So no matter what, I wanted Laguna to stay in the village... But it didn't work. I can no longer make it back to that moment... And also... I can only send you inside someone I've met before." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> [[#Ultimecia|Ultimecia]] needs this power to achieve "Time Compression", so she uses [[#Edea Kramer|Edea]] and the Galbadian military to find her.<ref name="Ultimecia">'''Edea:''' "Ultimecia's objective is to find Ellone." / '''Edea:''' "Ellone's mysterious power... Sending one's consciousness back into the past." / '''Zell:''' "So, Ultimecia wants to use Ellone's power, right?" / '''Irvine:''' "I get it. Ultimecia wants to send her consciousness from this period further into the past." / '''Zell:''' "What's she going to do in the past?" / '''Edea:''' "Time compression." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref>

Despite being important to the story, as she connects the relationships between some character and is the target of Ultimecia, Ellone's importance is mostly told in flashbacks. After Esthar soldiers killed Ellone's parents under [[#Adel|sorceress Adel]]'s orders, she lived with [[#Raine|Raine]] in the small Winhill village, where she also developed a close relationship with her adoptive uncle, [[#Laguna Loire|Laguna]]. These peaceful times lasted until she was captured by Esthar.<ref name="Lagunastory1"/> Afterward, Laguna travelled to Esthar to rescue her while participating in Esthar's rebellion to overthrow Adel. After Adel's incarceration in space, Laguna having to remain in Esthar as president, and Raine's death, Ellone moved to [[#Cid Kramer|Cid]] and [[#Edea Kramer|Edea's]] orphanage, where she became an older sister figure to Squall and the other orphans; eventually, she followed Cid to Balamb Garden. Early on in the game, Squall's party finds Ellone in the library of Balamb Garden.

===Fujin===
{{Nihongo|Fujin|風神|Fūjin}} is a young woman with pale skin and short silver hair who wears an eye patch. She is a member of Balamb Garden's disciplinary committee alongside Seifer and Raijin; the three of them form a close "posse",<ref name="Posse1"/> even when Seifer leaves Garden. Fujin prefers to speak in terse sentences; in the Japanese version, she speaks in [[Kanji]]. Near the end of the game, she explains to Squall that she will temporarily break ties with Seifer because of his recent behavior.<ref name="Fujinspeech"/> In battle, Fujin wields a [[chakram]] and uses wind-based magic. She shares her name with the Japanese god of wind, [[Fūjin]].

Fujin and Raijin were to appear in ''Final Fantasy VII'', but the designers excluded them due to their similarity to the Turks.<ref name="sheila"/> In ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', a younger version of Fujin, named {{Nihongo|"Fuu"|フウ}}, appears as a member of Seifer's gang. She is voiced by [[Rio Natsuki]] in Japanese and Jillian Bowen in English.

===Raijin===
{{Nihongo|Raijin|雷神}} is a member of Balamb Garden's disciplinary committee alongside Seifer and Fujin;<ref>'''Squall:''' (Fujin and Raijin tagging along as usual... Guess that makes up the whole disciplinary committee.) (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> the three form a close "posse", as he calls it.<ref name="Posse1"/> He has a habit of ending his sentences with {{Nihongo|"ya know"|もんよ|mon'yo|in the Japanese version}}. Like Fujin, he supports Seifer when he betrays SeeD and Garden to side with Edea. Near the end of the game, he stands by Fujin's plea to the party to help save Seifer from himself.<ref name="Fujinspeech"/> In the ending FMV, he celebrates catching a large fish until Fujin kicks him into the water. In battle, Raijin wields a [[bō]] staff with large weights on either end and uses thunder-based magic. He shares his name with the Japanese god of thunder, [[Raijin]].

Raijin and Fujin were to appear in ''Final Fantasy VII'', but the designers decided against it due to their similarity to the Turks.<ref name="sheila"/> In ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', a younger version of Raijin, named {{Nihongo|"Rai"|ライ}}, appears as a member of Seifer's gang. He is voiced by [[Kazuya Nakai]] in Japanese and [[Brandon Adams (actor)|Brandon Adams]] in English.

=== Ultimecia ===
{{Nihongo|Ultimecia|アルティミシア|Arutimishia}} is the main [[antagonist]] of ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]''. Ultimecia is a sorceress from the future capable of reaching her consciousness into the distant past via the "Junction Machine" to possess other sorceresses.<ref name="Odine1">'''Doc Odine:''' "It may only be a toy right now, but in ze time of Ultimecia, it iz an impressive working machine! Which means there iz a machine which imitates Ellone's power. It iz I who made ze first model of zat machine. I named ze machine 'Junction Machine Ellone'! It iz a vonderful thing to know that my invention is used in ze future!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Because she operates through the body of a possessed [[#Edea Kramer|Edea]] to gain control of Galbadia, Ultimecia's existence is revealed only after she possesses [[#Rinoa Heartilly|Rinoa]] to release [[#Adel|Sorceress Adel]] from her [[orbital plane (astronomy)|orbital]] prison to take as a new host. She seeks to achieve "Time Compression", which would cause all eras to merge; this would extinguish all life as she becomes an omnipresent goddess. This would give her power on par with Hyne the Great, who, according to the backstory, created the world.<ref name="death">'''Rinoa:''' "She's trying to achieve time compression. She's the only one who would be able to exist in such a world." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref><ref name="goal">'''Squall''': "What exactly is it that you want?" /'''Ultimecia''': "A world of compressed time--where you shall worship me, the eternal and solitary being!" (''Dissidia Final Fantasy'')</ref><ref name="Time Compression">'''Ultimecia''' Time compression. I shall freeze the hands of time/.../ and extinguish all other lives in this world but my own. (''Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy'')</ref>

Eventually, [[#Squall Leonhart|Squall]] and the heroes help Ultimecia start Time Compression to confront her in her own time.<ref name="Ultimeciaplot">'''Doc Odine:''' "There iz only one way to defeat Ultimecia. You must kill her in ze future. / ... / Ultimecia probably needs to go back further in time to achieve time compression. Only Ellone can take her back further into ze past. / ... / You will keep moving through ze time compression toward ze future. Once you're out of ze time compression, zat will be Ultimecia's world. It's all up to you after zat." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> After Squall and his party defeat [[#Adel|Sorceress Adel]], Adel transfers her power to Rinoa only for Ultimecia to possess Rinoa again. [[#Ellone|Ellone]] uses her power to send their consciousness to the past, at which point Ultimecia starts Time Compression. At that moment, the heroes are able to travel to Ultimecia's distant future and defeat her.<ref name="Ultimeciaplot" /> After the final battle and during an apparent decompression of time, the defeated Ultimecia transfers her powers to [[#Edea Kramer|Edea]] at a point in the past. This action essentially triggers the sequence of events that form the game's plot, and creates a [[causal loop]].<ref name="Succession of sorceresses">
'''Squall''' [to Ultimecia]: "...You're alive!?"
'''Edea''': "...The sorceress?"
'''Squall''': "Yes, Matron. We had defeated her... Matron, stand back."
'''Edea''': "It's OK. There's no more need to fight. That sorceress is just looking for someone to pass her powers on to. In order to die in peace, a sorceress must be free of all her powers. I know... for I am one, too. I shall take over that sorceress' powers. I do not want one of the children to become one."
'''Sorceress Ultimecia''': "I...can't...disappear yet."
(''Final Fantasy VIII'')
</ref>

Ultimecia is the villainess representing ''Final Fantasy VIII'' in ''[[Dissidia: Final Fantasy]]'', ''[[Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy|Dissidia 012]]'' and ''[[Dissidia Final Fantasy NT|Dissidia NT]]'', where she is voiced by [[Atsuko Tanaka (voice actress)|Atsuko Tanaka]] in Japanese and [[Tasia Valenza]] in English.

== Minor characters ==
=== Biggs and Wedge ===
{{See also|Recurring elements in the Final Fantasy series}}
Biggs and Wedge are members of the Galbadian Army, who are major and lieutenant respectively.<ref>'''Guy:''' "T-These are the prisoners, Lieutenant Biggs, Private Wedge." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> After the main characters defeat them at Dollet, they are demoted in rank to lieutenant and private respectively.<ref>'''Biggs:''' "I was demoted because of you! I'm only lieutenant now!" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> The protagonists encounter them again at the D-District Prison. A third meeting at the Lunatic Pandora does not result in conflict; instead, they quit the Galbadian army.<ref name="quitarmy">'''Biggs:''' "Why the heck do I have to take orders from some kid?" / '''Wedge:''' "Well, he is our superior..." / '''Biggs:''' "Don't you think I know that!? I chose the wrong career. Being ordered around by some punk..." / '''Wedge:''' "Ha ha ha! That's pretty funny. Then why don't you quit and find another career, sir?" / '''Biggs:''' "...Hmmmm..." / '''Wedge:''' "Ha ha ha! Just kidding, sir." / '''Biggs:''' "You're right!!! You're absolutely right! I QUIT!!!" / '''Wedge:''' "Uhh..." / '''Biggs:''' "Wedge, let's go home and have a drink." / '''Wedge:''' "Oh... What!? Me, too?" / '''Biggs:''' "Of course. Now, come on." / '''Wedge:''' "But, but..." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> 

=== General Fury Caraway ===
General Fury Caraway is a member of the Galbadian military who advises the main characters on their mission to assassinate Sorceress Edea.<ref name="ff8ult2">{{cite book | year = 1999 | editor=Studio BentStuff | title=Final Fantasy VIII Ultimania | publisher = Square-Enix | language=ja | isbn = 978-4-925075-49-7 | page=37}}</ref> When Laguna leaves Galbadia, Caraway comforts Julia; eventually, they marry and have a child, Rinoa.<ref name="CarawayandJulia"/> Caraway and Rinoa have a problematic relationship, as he attempts to prevent her from participating in the assassination attempt.<ref>'''Squall:''' "Where's Rinoa?" / '''General Caraway:''' "She has not received the type of training you all have, and may become a burden. It's for the best that she stays out of this operation." / '''Selphie:''' "So you're Rinoa's father?" / '''General Caraway:''' "I can't remember the last time she called me that." / '''Zell:''' "So the father's a top military officer, and the daughter's a member of an anti-government faction!? That's bad... Really BAD!" / '''General Caraway:''' "Yes, indeed. It's a serious problem. But it doesn't concern you. It's our problem." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> However, he later arranges her freedom from the D-District Prison.

=== Vinzer Deling ===
Vinzer Deling is the President of Galbadia. He appoints Sorceress Edea as a supposed "peace ambassador" to resolve Galbadia's political problems with other nations.<ref>'''President Deling:''' "Unfortunately, there are some trifling problems standing between Galbadia and other nations, and they must be resolved. I plan to convene with other nations' leaders immediately to resolve these problems. At this time, allow me to introduce the ambassador who will be my representative for the conference." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> His body double is defeated by SeeD and the Forest Owls resistance group.<ref>'''President Deling:''' "...I'm not the president. I'm what they call... a body double." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Edea kills him during her welcoming ceremony at Deling City and seizes power in Galbadia.<ref name="Edeaspeech"/>

=== Mayor Dobe and Flo ===
Mayor Dobe is the leader of Fishermans Horizon<!--"Fishermans" is not possessive in the game-->, a town in the middle of a transoceanic highway between the continents of Galbadia and Esthar. He and his wife, Flo, detest violence and oppose the Garden's presence in their territory.<ref>'''Mayor Dobe:''' "We don't want military organizations in FH. You rely on force to solve problems. That is in direct defiance of our principles." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Squall and his party save the Mayor from certain death when the Galbadian army invades the town.

=== Forest Owls ===
The Forest Owls are a small resistance faction that oppose the Galbadian occupation of Timber, a town in the eastern part of the continent. Zone is its leader, while Rinoa and Watts are members. Most people of Timber are affiliated with a resistance group, although the Forest Owls are the only active group.<ref>'''Rinoa:''' "She's the leader of the 'Forest Fox'. Almost everyone's a resistance member in this town. But right now, we're the only ones that are really active." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref>

=== Julia Heartilly ===
{{Nihongo|Julia Heartilly|ジュリア・ハーティリー|Juria Hātirī}} is a pianist at a Galbadian hotel which Laguna frequented during his days as a soldier. After Laguna had admired her for some time, Julia introduced herself to him, as depicted in one of the flashback sequences.<ref>'''Julia:''' "Did I interrupt anything?" / '''Laguna:''' "N-N-N-Not at all. P-Please, s-sit down." (Oh man, oh man, it's really HER! What do I do!? Kiros? Ward? HELP! What do I say!? But man, she is pretty...) (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Julia revealed to Laguna her dream of writing her own songs and becoming a singer. However, after Laguna is shipped out on new orders the following day, the ensuing circumstances prevent him from returning. Julia eventually marries Galbadian military officer General Caraway and has a daughter, Rinoa.<ref name="CarawayandJulia"/> She also finds success with her song "[[Music of Final Fantasy VIII#Eyes on Me|Eyes on Me]]", which is also the game's theme song.<ref>'''Raine:''' "Then the first song she released was 'Eyes On Me'?" / '''Laguna:''' "H-How does the song go?" / '''Raine:''' "You don't know?" / '''Laguna:''' "Well, you never let me hear it!" / '''Raine:''' "I didn't think you listened to music. The song's about being in love... I really like it." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> She was killed several years before the start of the game in a car accident.<ref>"Eyes on Me", Julia Heartilly's song. Julia married the Galbadian General Caraway after releasing "Eyes on Me". Gave birth to a girl one year later. Julia died in a car crash at age 28, right before her daughter turned 5. (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Julia is the only character in the game with an explicit character theme, named "Julia", which is a piano arrangement of "Eyes on Me".

=== Raine ===
{{Nihongo|Raine|レイン|Rein}}, later {{Nihongo|Raine Loire|レイン・レウァール|Rein Rewāru}}, is Laguna's second love, as depicted in flashbacks. She found him injured at the bottom of a cliff and brought him to her hometown of Winhill to recover. She is initially irritated by his bad habits and reluctance to express himself outright,<ref>'''Raine:''' "A guy like that? He was carried in here crying like a baby, and I was the one who had to take care of him... His crude way of speaking... I don't know if his aspirations as a journalist are going to come true... Every time I try to have a serious conversation, he avoids it... I can't stand his snoring and he talks in his sleep..." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> but the two grew close and eventually married. After Laguna becomes President of Esthar, his duties thwart his efforts to return to Winhill. Raine dies after giving birth to a child, who, along with Ellone, is taken away to Edea's orphanage.<ref name="Lagunastory1"/> It is strongly implied by Ward and Kiros, as well as by gaming writers and fans, that Squall is their child.<ref>'''Kiros:''' "You look a lot like your mother, lucky you don't look much like your father." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref><ref name="LagunaFather">{{cite web | author=Maciel, Joshua | url=http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2000/q1/022500jmb.html | title=Rebuttal to FF8 FAQ Part 2 | publisher=RPGamer.com | access-date=2007-03-21 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930033401/http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2000/q1/022500jmb.html | archive-date=2007-09-30}}</ref>

=== Martine ===
Martine is the head of Galbadia Garden. His superior, Balamb Garden's master NORG, orders him to use SeeD members to carry out the assassination plot against Sorceress Edea. When Squall and his team travel to Galbadia Garden after fleeing Timber, Martine orders them to carry out the mission. He hopes that using Balamb Garden's SeeDs would deflect responsibility for the plot onto NORG.<ref>'''NORG:''' "Bujurururu! THAT-SLY-WEASEL-MARTINE-USED-YOU-AS-A-LAST-RESORT-
FOR-THE-ASSASSINATION. HE-GAVE-THAT-ORDER-TO-PLACE-THE-BLAME-ON-ME! THAT-THAT-BASTARD." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> His actions trigger the conflict within Balamb Garden when Garden Master NORG tries to kill Headmaster Cid to appease Sorceress Edea after the mission fails.<ref name="NORGloyalty"/> Afterward, the Galbadian military seizes Galbadia Garden and Martine flees to Fishermans Horizon.

=== NORG ===
NORG is an exiled Shumi who lent Cid the money to build and develop the Garden and took the position of Garden Master upon its completion.<ref name="NORGhistory1">'''Headmaster Cid:''' "He is from the Shumi tribe. A black sheep of the tribe, one might say. We met while I was running around trying to find funds to build the Garden. He became interested in building the Garden, and we hit it off. Thanks to his funding, it was completed. However, we needed an enormous amount of funds to run the Garden. So we began dispatching SeeDs around the world as a means of supporting the Garden. NORG's idea was right on the money. An enormous amount of capital began flowing into the Garden. And the Garden began to change. Lost sight of our high ideals, the truth was covered up... That's probably enough. In the end, it was my fault, for giving up control." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> NORG is more concerned about the revenue acquired by SeeD as a mercenary organization rather than its noble duty of opposing the Sorceress; he is considered a "black sheep" of the Shumi tribe.<ref name="NORGhistory1"/> After hearing about a failed assassination attempt on Sorceress Edea, NORG begins to distrust Headmaster Cid and tries to seize control of Balamb Garden, causing a conflict between factions loyal to NORG and Cid. After feigning loyalty to the Sorceress, he attempts to kill the SeeDs who carried out the failed assassination.<ref name="NORGloyalty"/> After being defeated in battle, he enters a [[Cocoon (silk)|cocoon-like]] state. Shumis from the Shumi village later appear at the site of his defeat, having seemingly removed him from his cocoon by cracking it open. They also apologize for NORG's behavior.

=== Dr. Odine ===
Dr. Odine is a scientist and magic researcher from Esthar who discovered the GFs and junctioning and engineered a machine that mimics Ellone's power.<ref name="Odine1"/> Seventeen years before the events of the game, he developed the necessary technology to allow Laguna to entomb Adel. As a researcher of the Lunatic Pandora,<ref>'''Doc Odine:''' "I've been investigating ze Pandora since it was excavated." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> he also helps to prevent it from reaching Tears' Point and initiating a Lunar Cry.<ref>'''Doc Odine:''' "It will not attack us. This city iz not ze target." / '''Doctor's Assistant:''' "I hope so... I hope you're right." / '''Doc Odine:''' "But Tears' Point...... Hmm?" (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Odine also plays a role in the plot to destroy Ultimecia, explaining how to survive time compression.<ref name="Ultimeciaplot"/>

=== Minor SeeD members ===
Several other SeeD members assist Squall's party. Dr. Kadowaki is the Balamb Garden doctor who tends to Squall's wounds after his fight with Seifer in the opening sequence. She also helps Headmaster Cid after his confrontation with NORG. Nida, who is a reference to ''[[Star Wars]]'', along with Biggs and Wedge, is a student at Balamb Garden who passes the SeeD exam along with Squall and pilots Balamb Garden after it becomes a mobile base.<ref>'''Nida:''' "What!? Oh, man, it's me. We passed the SeeD exam together. I can't believe you forgot!" / '''Squall:''' "Oh yeah..." / '''Nida:''' "Gee... Well, it's just like you to forget. By the way, you know how the FH technicians were fixing the Garden, right? They just finished. Meaning... The Garden's ready to go anytime. Oh yeah. I'll be piloting the Garden. FH technicians taught me everything about piloting this thing. Let me know when you want to go." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> Xu is a high-ranking SeeD who helps Squall during the Dollet mission and the Garden civil war between NORG and Cid.<ref>'''Squall:''' "Where is [Headmaster Cid]?" / '''Xu:''' "In his office. We made it look like he's hiding, but he's been there all along. Follow me." (''Final Fantasy VIII'')</ref> She is friends with Quistis and a member of Squall's staff once he becomes the leader of Balamb Garden.<ref>'''Xu:''' "We thought you should have a title. So Quistis and I decided on commander." / '''Quistis:''' "Sorry to carry things out on our own, but Xu and I assigned duties." / '''Xu:''' "I'll take care of all the supplies needed in the Garden."</ref>

==Merchandise==
The characters of ''Final Fantasy VIII'' have spawned [[action figure]]s, [[jewellery]] and other goods in their likeness. In 1999, action figure lineups were distributed in Japan by [[Bandai]], Kotobukiya, [[Banpresto]], and [[Coca-Cola]]. Bandai also released them to Europe and Australasia the same year.<ref>(1999) in Square Europe: ''Final Fantasy VIII Platinum United Kingdom instruction manual'' (in English). Square Europe. SLES-02080.</ref> In 2004, action figures of Squall, Rinoa and Selphie were distributed in North America by Diamond Comics.<ref>{{cite web | publisher=Collection DX | url=http://www.collectiondx.com/news_item/11905/squareenix_presents_dynamic_final_fantasy_viii_play_art_action_figures | title=Square-Enix Presents Dynamic Final Fantasy Viii Play Art Action Figures | access-date=2007-03-14 | archive-date=2015-12-22 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222102943/http://www.collectiondx.com/news_item/11905/squareenix_presents_dynamic_final_fantasy_viii_play_art_action_figures | url-status=live }}</ref> Posters of individual characters or a [[collage]] of characters are available on many fan websites, including Final Fantasy Spirit.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ffspirit.net/store/c/14-posters/7 | title=Posters | publisher=Final Fantasy Spirit | access-date=2007-03-14 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718005157/http://www.ffspirit.net/store/c/14-posters/7 | archive-date=2007-07-18}}</ref> Other products available include mouse pads, keychains, and pens depicting individual characters or sets of characters.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ffspirit.com/store/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703043303/http://www.ffspirit.com/store/ | archive-date=2007-07-03 | title=Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts Merchandise | publisher=FFSpirit.com | access-date=2007-03-14}}</ref>

==Reception==
The characters of ''Final Fantasy VIII'' have received praise by reviewers. The ''Gaming Age'' reviewer was originally concerned with the shift to consistently realistically proportioned characters, but he ultimately found them more appealing.<ref name="gamingage">{{cite web | author=McTague, Bob | year=1999 | title=Gaming Age Review – ''Final Fantasy VIII'' | url=http://www.gaming-age.com/reviews/archive/old_reviews/psx/ff8/ | work=Gaming Age | access-date=2007-03-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411070546/http://www.gaming-age.com/reviews/archive/old_reviews/psx/ff8 | archive-date=2009-04-11 | url-status=dead}}</ref> Moreover, the review stated that the character designs and graphical quality allowed the characters to "convey emotions much more dramatically".<ref name="gamingage"/> ''[[Game Revolution]]'' cited similar praise, agreeing that the change "really makes the graphics impressive".<ref name="gamerevolution">{{cite web | author=Liu, Johnny | year=1999 | title=Game Revolution Review Page – ''Final Fantasy VIII'' | url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/sony/final-fantasy-8 | work=Game Revolution | access-date=2007-03-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807153113/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/sony/final-fantasy-8 | archive-date=2011-08-07 | url-status=dead}}</ref> Jeff Lundigran of [[IGN]] commented that the "[[Low poly|low-polygon]] characters of ''Final Fantasy VII'' are gone, replaced with sometimes surprisingly realistic high-[[Polygon (computer graphics)|polygon]] models that only look better the closer they get".<ref name="ignreview"/> [[GameSpot]] agreed with the transition, claiming that "involving, personal, and emotional stories are far more believable when they come from, well, people, not short, bizarrely shaped cartoon characters".<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web | author=Vestal, Andrew | year=1999 | title=Final Fantasy VIII for PlayStation Review | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/finalfantasy8/review.html | work=GameSpot | access-date=2006-07-13 | archive-date=2007-10-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015224552/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/finalfantasy8/review.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

The cast itself has received criticism from reviews. Lundigran criticized the manner in which romantic interactions play out, stating that "considering that the love story is so integral to everything that happens—not to mention forming the central image of the box art—it's incomprehensible why no one says 'I love you' to anyone, ever".<ref name="ignreview"/> With Squall, he felt that "''FFVIII'' does break one cardinal rule: when your story is character centered, you'd better center it on a character the audience can care about. Squall, unfortunately, just doesn't fit the bill".<ref name="ignreview"/> However, [[GameSpot]] felt that ''Final Fantasy VIII'' shifts the story from the "epic" concepts of ''VII'' to the "personal", in that "the characters and their relationships are all extremely believable and complex; moreover, the core romance holds up even under the most pessimistic scrutiny".<ref name="gamespot"/> A later editorial by IGN's Ryan Clements echoed this sentiment, appreciating that Squall and Rinoa's single kiss during the finale serves "one of the player's main rewards for hours of dedication".<ref>{{cite web | author=Clements, Ryan | date=2010-05-14 | title=Why I Dig Digital Japanese Love | url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/108/1089711p1.html | work=IGN | access-date=2010-05-18 | archive-date=2010-05-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516202305/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/108/1089711p1.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Although the reviewer at ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]'' acknowledged possible fears over a romantic storyline, he wrote that "it's only later in the game, once you are really attached to all the distinct and complex characters, that the more emotional themes are gradually introduced".<ref>''Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine'' issue 50 (November 2001), p. 45</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090312055204/http://www.square-enix-usa.com/games/ff8/characters.html ''Final Fantasy VIII'' character profiles] — Square Enix USA

{{Final Fantasy series|FF=FFVIII}}

[[Category:Lists of Final Fantasy characters|Final Fantasy 08]]
[[Category:Final Fantasy VIII characters| ]]