Libra

Quistis' birthday, October 4, classifies her as a Libra. Because my source has a rather long analysis on Librans, I decided to break down my commentary on a paragraph-by-paragraph basis. Off we go!
Libra is the only inanimate sign of the zodiac, all the others representing either humans or animals. Many modern astrologers regard it as the most desirable of zodiacal types because it represents the zenith of the year, the high point of the seasons, when the harvest of all the hard work of the spring is reaped. There is a mellowness and sense of relaxation in the air as mankind enjoys the last of the summer sun and the fruits of his toil. Librans too are among the most civilized of the twelve zodiacal characters and are often good looking. They have elegance, charm and good taste, are naturally kind, very gentle, and lovers of beauty, harmony (both in music and social living) and the pleasures that these bring.
Well, Quistis' "harvest of...hard work" is all accumulated (or reaped) in her, once again, prodigal status. Quistis probably represents the apex of SeeD and a soldier in his prime; there's not really that much higher you can get: Quistis has adoring fans everywhere, is admired by her peers, and what? All at the age of 18? Most 18 year olds in today's society are just graduating from high school, and 18 year olds cadets in the world of Final Fantasy VIII have probably had about a year experience in the organization known as SeeD.

One thing that irks me is where all this "harmony in music" is coming from (then again, most analysis aren't 100% accurate). If I may quote Quistis herself:
Quistis: You're kidding. Oh, no way. You can count me out. I have no musical aptitude.
Though we don't really get to see if this is true (the player himself chooses which instruments go with who for the FH concert, leaving no choice of the matter to the characters), we can be pretty sure Quistis is not lying because she's definitely not the type to.
They have good critical faculty and are able to stand back and look impartially at matters which call for an impartial judgment to be made on them. But they do not tolerate argument from anyone who challenges their opinions, for once they have reached a conclusion, its truth seems to them self-evident; and among their faults is an impatience of criticism and a greed for approval. But their characters are on the whole balanced, diplomatic and even tempered.
My knowledge of Final Fantasy VIII has gotten a tad bit hazy (shameful, I know), but the only situation in which I can refute the first statement but make everything else true is the argument between Quistis and Rinoa at Caraway Mansion. At that point, Quistis is not able to look past her jealousy of Squall's growing attention on Rinoa and Rinoa herself to listen to Rinoa's idea; Quistis gives Rinoa a rather rude piece of her mind and leaves her all alone.

Why? With Squall and Irvine gone to look for the sorceress' entrance (aka the sniper team), Quistis is in charge of the gateway team; she takes her position seriously, and she won't tolerate any interruptions on such an important mission (which Rinoa is not officially part of). Concerning a Libran's "greed for approval"; it is also my personal opinion that much of Quistis' character is based on the fact that she actually does want this approval; orphaned and possibly abandoned by her adoptive parents, what else is she to think but that she's useless? Her status might've stemmed from the fact that she wanted to prove herself to the world.
Librans are sensitive to the needs of others and have the gift, sometimes to an almost psychic extent, of understanding the emotional needs of their companions and meeting them with their own innate optimism - they are the kind of people of whom it is said, "They always make you feel better for having been with them." They are very social human beings. They loathe cruelty, viciousness and vulgarity and detest conflict between people, so they do their best to cooperate and compromise with everyone around them, and their ideal for their own circle and for society as a whole is unity.
One of the turning points in Quistis' life is during another conversation with Squall before going to the Sorceress Memorial; Rinoa had recently been taken to be confined because of her newly acquired sorceress powers. With Squall mentally debating whether or not to follow his heart or duty, Quistis basically makes the decision for him. She knows what Squall wants is not her, but Rinoa; she knows that she herself must take the final step and back down from Squall; she knows that she must say something, or Rinoa will be lost forever. Altruistic Quistis finally gives Squall a shove in the right direction: she tells him to save Rinoa, to go against SeeD regulation, and to finally take his stance as Rinoa's knight.

And of course, let's not forget compromise!Quistis (though I think the more accurate term is mediator). True to "bossy little Quisty" and to her sister complex, she's always breaking up the fights between Seifer and Zell, Seifer and Squall, and well - Seifer and anybody.
Their cast of mind is artistic rather than intellectual, though they are usually too moderate and well balanced to be avant garde in any artistic endeavor. They have good perception and observation and their critical ability, with which they are able to view their own efforts as well as those of others, gives their work integrity.
Erm. I have no clue what to say. Short paragraphs are always hard to connect :P
In their personal relationships they show understanding of the other person's point of view, trying to resolve any differences by compromise, and are often willing to allow claims against themselves to be settled to their own disadvantage rather than spoil a relationship. They like the opposite sex to the extent of promiscuity sometimes, and may indulge in romanticism bordering on sentimentality. Their marriages, however, stand a good chance of success because they are frequently the union of "true minds". The Libran's continuing kindness toward his or her partner mollifies any hurt the latter may feel if the two have had a tiff. Nor can the Libran's spouse often complain that he or she is not understood, for the Libran is usually the most empathetic of all the zodiacal types and the most ready to tolerate the beloved's failings.
As Quistis doesn't have a real "personal relationship" with anyone in the game (hers with Squall is more of a one-sided thing), there isn't much to analyze - though the fact that Quistis "may indulge in romanticism bordering on sentimentality" strikes out to me. "Misunderstood love" anyone? Quistis blames her feelings for Squall on her sisterly attitude and personality, which dates all the way back into her very younger years.
The negative Libran character may show frivolity, flirtatiousness and shallowness. It can be changeable and indecisive, impatient of routine, colorlessly conventional and timid, easygoing to the point of inertia, seldom angry when circumstances demand a show of annoyance at least; and yet Librans can shock everyone around them with sudden storms of rage. Their love of pleasure may lead them into extravagance; Libran men can degenerate into reckless gamblers, and Libran women extravagant, jealous and careless about money sometimes squander their wealth and talents in their overenthusiasm for causes which they espouse. Both sexes can become great gossipers. A characteristic of the type is an insatiable curiosity that tempts them to enquire into every social scandal in their circle.
For the most part, Quistis is a calm and collected woman, though at times she will blow up - much to the surprise of her comrades (who I think don't say anything because they really respect her a little too much). Once again, her fight with Rinoa in Deling is being brought up. Maybe I should replay Final Fantasy VIII and give this section a rewrite, huh?
In their work the description "lazy Libra" which is sometimes given is actually more alliterative than true. Librans can be surprisingly energetic, though it is true that they dislike coarse, dirty work. Although some are modestly content, others are extremely ambitious. With their dislike of extremes they make good diplomats but perhaps poor party politicians, for they are moderate in their opinions and able to see other points of view. They can succeed as administrators, lawyers (they have a strong sense of justice, which cynics might say could handicap them in a legal career), antique dealers, civil servants and bankers, for they are trustworthy in handling other people's money. Some Librans are gifted in fashion designing or in devising new cosmetics; others may find success as artists, composers, critics, writers, interior decorators, welfare workers or valuers, and they have an ability in the management of all sorts of public entertainment. Some work philanthropically for humanity with great self-disciple and significant results. Libran financiers sometimes make good speculators, for they have the optimism and ability to recover from financial crashes.

from Astrology Online

If this paragraph implies that there are two types of Librans (modestly content and extremely ambitious), Quistis strikes me as the extremely ambitious type. Fueled by her previously mentioned "greed for approval", she is most likely the type to rise and rise to the top - and then somehow find a way to go higher. She certainly has the brains and potential to do so, but unfortunately her Instructor's license is revoked and she must start from the bottom again...and although the game doesn't go into it, I'm sure if there was a sequel, Quistis would work to regain her former position again.

Although - perhaps she wouldn't be successful because A-O didn't mention a teacher/instructor as a successful career? Who knows. Square-Enix - milk Final Fantasy VIII a little, will you? Just a teeny bit?

Return: Quistis