Even though Zell is not the main character of Final Fantasy VIII, he holds an important position and he is one of the characters who contributes in pushing the plot forward.
Initially his comrades (namely Squall) are really bothered by him because he doesn’t act like a soldier at all. During the course of the game, the team will eventually learn to cope with Zell’s euphoric behaviour by appreciating his courage and determination. Indeed, Zell is a model cadet, whose knowledge goes beyond mere scholastic subjects. For example, he shows a great interest for both past and present day events. After arriving to a new location, it is possible to let Zell present the place with a brief explanation of its history.
The most striking feature of Zell’s personality is his being full of vim and vigour. Zell’s behaviour usually gives rise to problems between him and either the Garden Faculty or the Disciplinary Committee. His T-Board is confiscated, he is scolded for running through the halls…. Actually, a quick look may make Zell appear like a frisky, wild and foolish guy. Someone who, with his playful (and at times reckless) behaviour is more like a child, rather than a teenager. However, a closer look will show that there is something else beneath his positive and bright attitude.
Deep down, Zell is an upright young man. When his exuberance doesn’t get in the way, he is an hard working student in both theoretical and practical subjects; he is one of the four SeeDs that passed the written exam and his martial art skills are a matter-of-fact.
Zell is the type of person who will go the extra mile to help a friend in need, or just anyone who is in danger. In more than one occasion, he proves to be a friend on which one can rely on.
After Seifer decides to take the Sorceress’ side, the party (that is Irvine, Selphie, Squall, Rinoa and Quistis) think about a way to save him. At the beginning Zell is absolutely against any type of rescuing action, but he will realise that Seifer is actually in need of help and softens his initial hatred toward him. Also, Zell’s initial reaction was certainly arose by his impulsiveness because he could hardly hate Seifer to the point to see him dead.
There are two other episodes in which Zell shows his intentions on protecting the weak or being helpful for a friend. In DISC 2, Zell is held prisoner in District-D and shares his cell with Quistis, Selphie and a Moomba. There he defends the girls from being harassed by a guard and also goes to aid the Moomba when he is beaten. In DISC 3 instead, when Rinoa is out in space, the player can see some of her memories dating back to the time she spent with the party. One of these memories is about she and Zell; Rinoa shows him Squall’s lion ring and he offers to make a copy of it.
Friends means a lot to Zell and he is extremely loyal to them; for example after Edea has been freed from Ultimecia’s control, Zell is the first to volunteer for escorting her.
Another feature of Zell’s character is his sense of honour and moral integrity. One day at the Orphanage, he tried to convince the other children not to set off fireworks. During the Dollet mission, Zell gets very angry when Seifer goes against the orders they were given. He also becomes furious with Irvine, after he begins to make advances to the girls.