Rinoa Heartilly

Rinoa Heartilly is the co-protagonist of the role-playing video game Final Fantasy VIII, developed by Square (now Square Enix). She is a 17-year-old member of the Forest Owls, a resistance group. Initially, she hires the protagonist Squall Leonhart and his companions to aid her cause. As she travels with them, she falls in love with Squall. Rinoa is characterized by her outgoing and cheerful personality, though she can also be stubborn and naive at times. While initially lacking combat experience, she matures and becomes stronger as the story progresses. She wields a unique weapon called the "Blaster Edge" and is often accompanied by her loyal dog, Angelo, in battle. During the story, she is temporarily possessed by the sorceress Ultimecia and gains sorceress powers. Rinoa is a central and complex character in Final Fantasy VIII, and her experiences, along with her relationship with Squall, significantly influence the game's plot.