Squall Leonhart Character Analysis | Final Fantasy 8 lore

Subscribe and keep up to date with my latest game discourses.
This excerpt from my Game Discourses piece, looks more thoroughly at the character of Squall Leonhart. Full game discussion here: • Final Fantasy VIII Rev...
In this episode I take a brief look at:
Symbolism
Squall's gunblade
The Squall Leonheart story
Squall and Rinoa
Squall vs Seifer
#finalfantasy8 #finalfantasy #gamediscourses #squallleonhart

[@AlleywayJack]

Hi guys. If you liked my video I'd appreciate you subscribing to help support my channel. Thanks for watching. For more Final Fantasy videos check out my playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLZWhz2atvtVhKtMRler9T3-0-nhu9KX91

[@fallenwing25]

I immediately bonded with him. More now than I did as a teen. He had real life issues that made him relatable and I hate that people misunderstood him.

[@ThEcharteaExperience]

Squall is a cold, anti social badass. One of the best FF characters ever.

[@LoneGamerNerd]

Such an underrated character. It's a shame his popularity has been overshadowed by Cloud and Lightning... Squall is awesome! My favorite FF character because of how relatable he is in how he grows mentally, and his personal desire to be stronger and more mature physically _and_ mentally. His story is terribly misunderstood, mainly due to those whom overlook VIII simply because of its mechanics. He grows in a way similar to how those experiencing real life adolescence do. He is, by far, the most realistic protagonist in Final Fantasy.

[@AlleywayJack]

Yes, absolutely agree his character development and disposition are much more realistic than the more conventional 'hero' archetypes we find in FF and games in general. Not saying other FFs are bad at all, but this game and its characters are just more appealing to me.

[@La-hora-del-terror]

Thank you at last one person ho think just like me

[@FUNBadTime]

I love Squall and because I feel like I can really relate to him and his struggle. His character arc of getting out of his shell and the themes he adresses are really interesting in my oppinion. I cant really say much about other FF protagonists, but I do know Squall and I really like him.

[@La-hora-del-terror]

@@FUNBadTime I think just like you I'm just like Squall but when he goes to trabia's "garden". I have friends but i still have the "shell He is a very good character the most human i've ever seen and maybe i think that because i'm just like him and i think like him. The first time i play this game i was very surpised

[@DarkMuu666]

I have to say, I think while he acts detached, he never really shook that off, as you can tell from when Rinoa left after the dance, his requests that she stay next to him, and a few other ques from language. I'd have to say he's sensitive at heart, from admission and from Rinoa gently making fun of him at the concert. I do like Squall, he's such an interesting character.

[@Pongzors]

Squall quickly became my favorite FF character after you witness his emotional growth throughout the game, I love his character development. I felt really saddened in the end of the game during the whole time compression / desert scene where it looks likes he's destined to die alone, after all of the progress he made in working on building relationships and getting close to people. Man, I love VIII. Great video!

[@FUNBadTime]

Never mind my first comment, I literally just found out that Squall lives in the end and it just made my god damn day!

[@AlbiLeonhart]

I think Squaresoft completely fail to explain Squall as a character, his traits and why he reacts in that way. That's why he's not so likeable on the surface. Basically he's traumatized because Ellone left him, but in the game is not explain very well how bad this is affecting him and how much he's suffering even years after that. He acts like that as a defense mechanism, he forced himself to believe that by acting so cold and stoic his sister will come back. Second they fail to explain that he fell in love with Rinoa at the dance party, that's also why he rejects Quistis hitting him. Also when they met again in Timber and Rinoa asks about Seifer he's triggered, that's why he responds in a cold manner and it's kind of a dick to her.

[@mgway4661]

@@FUNBadTime it's actually been debated whether or not anyone lives through the time compression. Some say that they are living in the time compressed world at the end and it's a sortof "Matrix"

[@on-zm8sg]

Character development: * exists * Squall haters: *NO*

[@randomuser1105]

Don't forget that Squall's parents are named Raine and Laguna to go along with the water theme.

[@AlleywayJack]

+randomuser1105 Yo! Thanks, yeah I mentioned this in the Laguna segment, probably could have mentioned it here too as they're separate videos :/ thanks for listening though :)

[@Abishokaya]

On that same note: The inspiration for his design was based on an actor named "River Phoenix." Down to his design, his qualities were deeply considered.

[@KOFKYO2012]

Here's hoping to a eventual FF8 Remake. I would like to see Squall fully realized with today's graphical engine.

[@AlleywayJack]

That would be great. I have wondered whether, providing FFVII remake is hugely successful, they might consider remaking their earlier titles.

[@ForceofNature99]

You can see his nextgen visuals in Dissidia NT. I would love a FF8 Remake with those visuals. The game was a masterpiece back in 1999. Disc 2 alone was jaw-dropping.

[@flariz4824]

lol

[@CatSkinCap]

On your last point about Squall being a pragmatic mind rather than a depressed one, this is much more evident in the original Japanese script. In that, Squall responds in a variety of "are you kidding me" and "that might work" sorts of attitudes, but the English translation unfortunately turned them all into "...Whatever". We'll never know whether it's a result of the translation team simply not comprehending most of the script, or if they intentionally wanted to establish an emo persona. Either way, they've really tarnished Squall in the English speaking world.

[@yannmalfrait3235]

...Whatever.

[@second_second_]

Yeah, translation and dub always change the core personality of the characters.. same thing happened with Lunafreya from ff15, although i like both version of lunafreya. Squall's "whatever" became an interesting trademark too, so okay, whatever XD

[@FUNBadTime]

I liked the way you interpreted his thinking. Squall is pragmatic. Rather than talking to others or seeking advice, he rather thinks about the issue and solutions. But his thinking becomes more and more poisonous for his thoughts the longer he is left alone and later even his friends notice this and try to keep him from loosing hope.

[@AlleywayJack]

Hi Max, thanks for the comments. Yeah I totally agree; and although Rinoa is his romantic conclusion, Squalls friends are his required salvation from himself and his internalizing of problems. Rinoa tells him this after the music performance at FH which I think is a pivotal part of his 'awakening' to being able to rely on others and open up to them.

[@NobodyQuiteLikeMe]

Squall as a verb also means a crying child. Kinda like him crying alone at the orphanage. Also Bruce Lee rocks, " be water my friends."

[@CartersRemasters]

Squall was based on River Jude Phoenix

[@Maddiedesu]

I love this! Not a lot of people go in-depth into a character's psychology and I always love it when someone does, because it brings so much more information and insight to the table. I'm not really all that good at psychology but I feel that I can appreciate it when someone is, and this video really shows that you are, and that you know what you're talking about, that you've done you're research. I cannot express enough how refreshing it is to see that. Thank you for making this video!

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks for such a nice comment :)

[@Maddiedesu]

No, thank you!

[@TheOtherSideBooks]

Wow, because of this analysis, I think I might have to give the game another look.

[@AlleywayJack]

Cool! Let me know what you think if you give it another go :)

[@NetherlandsFirst]

Squall was definitely a great name to choose for him. It's as close to 'storm in a cup' as they could get, I suppose, without actually calling him Cupstorm or something :P

[@mgway4661]

Hahahaha that's funny

[@pforgottonsoul]

i've always hated how people always simply labeled characters like squall and cloud as emo and never really delved any deeper into their character.

[@AlleywayJack]

Absolutely. And many of these just give up on the game during disc 1 so never see these character arcs come to fruition, which is unfortunate because they may have enjoyed how they develop.

[@second_second_]

wow like how you explained things. such a deep analysis. and also yes his gunblade is memorable

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks. There's a more recent video about Squall that goes into more detail if you were interested. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@QuintMarvel]

Fuujin and Raijin are named after the Shinto gods for Wind and Thunder/Lightning, respectively.

[@AlleywayJack]

Stanger_in_the_Alps Yeah I did leave a note on the full FF8 review of this error. Thanks though, I'll stick one on this edit too :)

[@Abishokaya]

I just added your video as a suggestion to watch in one of my video's cards so that people can better understand him as a person. I couldn't have described Squall better myself, and you didn't go too deep spoiler into territory, keeping the focus on the story and development of Squall's character. Great video!

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks! Appreciate the comment and the share. I did an updated discussion on Squall not long ago which is better quality, it maybe slightly more spoilery though!

[@PikaPikaPowah]

Squall's parents are Laguna & Raine

[@AlleywayJack]

Yup, I mention that in the Laguna segment. I think I made the context unnecessarily confused here because I meant before the Laguna/Raine allusions are made - the player would probably assume his parents died in the sorceress war. Thanks for listening though!

[@LeonhartGR]

Thanks for this analysis! I'm a Squall fan. I think It's spelled "Leonhart" though...

[@Viper4ever05]

He was my favorite character, he pretty much matched my personality.

[@La-hora-del-terror]

My personality is exactly the same I'm serious, quiet, i talk a lot to myself, i'm so cold, i always been alone and i don't want help from other people, my problems are my problems Oh and my Favourite animal is the Lion

[@GrAvYxxBooN]

Wow, this is great. You totally deserve more views.

[@AlleywayJack]

+Spoopy Skeletman Ha, I appreciate that! Thanks for listening :)

[@jameshinde7207]

These are absolutely brilliant. Keep it up

[@AlleywayJack]

+James Hinde Thank you :) And thanks for listening.

[@FUNBadTime]

Could you or someone else here point out the similarities and differences between Squall and Cloud? I feel like its a complaint thats brought up quite a lot. I know Squall quite well, but I am not really familiar with Cloud.

[@AlleywayJack]

Hi Max. That's interesting and I think there's a number of ways one could interpret Cloud and Squall and similarities/differences they share. On the surface we could argue that they're both 'moody' and psychologically/emotionally restrained at the beginning of their respective games, both have a journey of 'self discovery' and both rely on themselves rather than trusting any external forces or friends. Both have also forgotten aspects of their past - Cloud due to Mako poisoning, and Squall due to junctioning GF. However, I would say their story-arcs and self-discovery differs considerably, and both find different solutions to their problems. Squall's issues hinge around trust due to childhood abandonment (big sis leaving), and his story requires him to eventually reconcile with his issues by opening up to friends, and ultimately falling in love (the ultimate opening up to another person). Cloud on the other hand has a more acute psychological problem which is displaced identity due to mako poisoning; and also due to his body hosting Jenova cells - which creates a very complicated biological relationship with Sephiroth which sees him haunted, possessed and belittled by this superior being which he needs to overcome to remember his true self and master his own destiny (rather than the fabricated one he appropriated from Zack's hopes and dreams after he was poisoned). ...I'm sure there's more to it than that, but that's very broadly how I would interpret how their stories/characteristics are similar and different. You've given me something interesting to think about for future episodes!

[@jahithber1430]

Squall's character really developed in the end because he smiles! it really shows he is happy and moved on, Cloud on the other hand still looks depressed in Advent Children so (who is the emo now?) lol do not hate me FF7 fans, I love FF7 too but FF8 is my fave obviously...

[@SilverScarletSpider]

How does Squall compare to Cloud, Zack, Lightning, and Noctis?

[@AlleywayJack]

Many see comparisons in each of these characters being emotionally detached by someway (except Zack) but the key differences come from the root of why this is, e.g. trust issues, imposter syndrome, family legacy; and thus what events and obstalces in their character arcs cause these feelings to change. Zack is probably the distinct element of these characters because he was never initially designed to have a complete arc, but rather just prompt Clouds. So his arc (in Crisis Core) is more around perserverence, maintaining optimism and positivity and belief in 'being a hero' in a world where heroes and allies are proving themselves to be quite the opposite.

[@on-zm8sg]

Another comment defending Squall: To being sincere, Squall haters are the most idiots and ignorant haters i've ever seen, they don't even care about the fact that Squall had traumas and have a development, because they praise Cloud saying that he is well developed but saying that Squall don't have that! Like WHAT?!! They really played the game or they like Cloud just because of the Buster Sword? (Note: I'm not saying that Cloud is a bad character, he and Squall are the best Final Fantasy protagonists ever.)

[@AlleywayJack]

Yeah I think the fact FF8 followed FF7 so Squall was inevitably compared to Cloud was a factor in some judging him negatively. As you say, I think they're both great characters and both are in great games.

[@on-zm8sg]

@@AlleywayJack yeah...

[@KoDaring]

it all about the hair style

[@thomk3282]

I love this!

[@mcdonkeylips]

What's with the long necks?

[@Viper4ever05]

lmaooo

[@Dresseurdemouche]

interesting

[@AlleywayJack]

Thanks!

[@WalkingGermany]

couldnt agree more. depressive/ emo etc. is simply wrong.

[@miki49]

I love his concept art and his cool demeanor on paper. His execution is extremely poor to me, however.

[@yellowgamers5996]

I get use to saying Leon

[@yuejin1776]

so squall is emo?

[@nyhtfall1969]

He's not

[@donnylurch4207]

I haven't played more than an hour or so of FF8, but I've seen plenty of online content to convince me not to waste my time. It's a shame the game is so awkwardly designed and with an often dumb and convoluted story (even by FF standards), because Squall really does seem like a genuinely good character.

[@AlleywayJack]

You’re right that there’s a lot of criticism surrounding FF8, and it’s one of the most divisive FF games out there. A lot of the criticism is around the junction system and other departures from conventional JRPG mechanics. And also some elements of the character development in the story - particularly around Squall. Personally, I think the story was ambitious with how it operated over two timelines and then brought everything together cohesively. Everything and every character is interrelated through the historical events (Laguna’s storyline), which profoundly shape the present events (Squall’s storyline). I thought it was great, so obviously I’d recommend giving it another go to see if it resonates… but like I say, certainly not for everyone. Out of interest, what is your favourite FF?

[@moondoor9031]

Squall is just the biggest jerk in the series, he's just so rude with the people around him for no particular reason. Comparing his problem with Elone with Terra and Cloud's problems just makes him look like he don't have any problems at all, that he don't have any reason to have this behavior. I don't hate him, but he's far from being my favourite character.

[@RatchildUK]

Moon Door He’s an introvert who felt abandoned by his sister and then gradually suffered from amnesia.

[@CarnSoRaw]

squall is dead

[@chammybooo3232]

One of the worst characters in Final Fantasy too emo and lame.