| Squall Leonhart A cadet in SeeD, the special combat unit of the Balamb Garden Military Academy. His aloof and anti-social behavior makes him appear seflish and lacking a sense of team unity. Squall dislikes having other involved in his affairs, and is best described as a loan wolf. |
| Laguna Loire An ex-soldier turned journalish, Laguna is a strong willed man with amazing energy. His compassion for the unfortunate drives him to help the weak and bring down their oppressors. Using his writing as a mighty instrument of justice, he stands strong against the evils of the world. |
| Seifer Almasy A candidate for SeeD. Although Seifer is a naturally gifted soldier, his inability to take orders and control his temper has earned him the label of "problematic". Although recognizing and praising Squall's abilities, Seifer regards him as his ultimate rival. |
| Rinoa Heartilly A lively individual with the ability to touch people's hearts. Open and honest with her feelings, she speaks her mind without reservation. Driven by her ambitions, she can be difficult at times. |
| Quistis Trepe A SeeD cadet at the age of 15, Quistis now instructs Squall and his companions at Balamb Garden. Contrary to her cool exterior, she occasionally has a difficult time coping with frustration, and as a result can become depressed over trivial matters. |
| Selphie Tilmitt Selphie seems out of place in a military academy because of her innocent appearance and light-hearted personality. Her happy-go-lucky disposition and laid-back attitude tend to catch other off guard. |
| Zell Dincht Aspiring to become like his grandfather who was once a soldier, Zell entered Garden at the age of 13. Not being one to think matters through, he is known to act on impusle rather than reasoning. At heart however, he is an honest, dedicated young man. |
| Irvine Kinneas Irvine is known as the "Best Shooter in Garden". His reputation for cherishing the company of women is almost as well known as his accuracy with a gun. Although he seems to be uncaring and frivolous at first glace, in reality he is sensitive and serious. |