A cadet of the military academy Balamb Garden, he is perceived by others as a stoic and focused loner. Squall's weapon, the gunblade. Squall starts as an introverted and taciturn teenager who keeps his distance from those who would otherwise be considered his friends. His pragmatism and sense of responsibility lead others to trust and follow him. Though withdrawn, Squall does not back away from his duties of protecting others and is often thrown into the role of leadership.