{{Short description|Character from Final Fantasy series}} {{Infobox character | name = Seymour Guado | image = File:FFX Seymour art.png | image_upright = 1.25 | alt = An illustration of a fictional character. He is a tall adult male wearing a uniform consisting of dark blue robes, red trimmings, and a green sash. His robes expose his chest, which is tattooed. His hair is blue and has two long locks in the back and one large bang in the front. He also wields a bright red staff in his right hand. | caption = Artwork by Tetsuya Nomura of Seymour | series = [[Final Fantasy]] | firstgame = ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'' (2001) | creator = [[Kazushige Nojima]]<ref>{{cite book | title=Final Fantasy X Ultimania Omega | publisher=[[Square Enix]] | pages=191–193, 476 | author=Studio BentStuff | language=ja}}</ref> | designer = [[Tetsuya Nomura]]<ref name="character">{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X International |developer=Square |publisher=Square EA |date=December 20, 2001 |platform=PlayStation 2|level=Beyond Final Fantasy: Character}}</ref> | voice = '''[[English language|EN]]''': [[Alex Fernandez (actor)|Alex Fernandez]]<ref name = "behindthevoiceactors">{{Cite web |title=Seymour Guado Voices (Final Fantasy) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Final-Fantasy/Seymour-Guado/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=Behind The Voice Actors |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014084038/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Final-Fantasy/Seymour-Guado/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br>'''[[Japanese language|JA]]''': [[Junichi Suwabe]]<ref name = "behindthevoiceactors"/><ref name="suwabe">{{Cite web|title=FINAL FANTASY X {{!}} X-2 HD Remaster {{!}} SQUARE ENIX|url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/ffx_x-2HD/#spmessage_cast-c04|access-date=2021-10-07|website=www.jp.square-enix.com|archive-date=2021-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917193331/https://www.jp.square-enix.com/ffx_x-2HD/#spmessage_cast-c04|url-status=live}}</ref> | lbl2 = Portrayed by | data2 = Onoe Matsuya II<ref>{{Cite web |title=Main poster of Final Fantasy X kabuki play releaved[sic] |url=https://www.japabutai.com/en/news/main-poster-final-fantasy-x-kabuki-play-releaved |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=Japabutai |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211180059/https://www.japabutai.com/en/news/main-poster-final-fantasy-x-kabuki-play-releaved |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-11 |title=Final Fantasy X Kabuki Stage Play Unveils Video, Visual |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-02-03/final-fantasy-x-kabuki-stage-play-unveils-video-visual/.194505 |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=Anime News Network |language=en |archive-date=2023-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203225416/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-02-03/final-fantasy-x-kabuki-stage-play-unveils-video-visual/.194505 |url-status=live }}</ref> | lbl1 = {{nowrap|Motion capture}} | data1 = Ichiro Kato<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ichiro Kato |url=https://www.igdb.com/people/ichiro-kato |access-date=16 December 2002 |website=IGDB |archive-date=19 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919102831/https://www.igdb.com/people/ichiro-kato |url-status=live }}</ref> | weapon = Staff | home = Baaj (prior to the events of ''[[Final Fantasy X]]''),<br/>Guadosalam (during ''Final Fantasy X'')<ref name="p082">{{cite book | title=Final Fantasy X Ultimania Omega | publisher=[[Square Enix]] | pages=082 | author=Studio BentStuff | language=ja}}</ref> | race = Half [[Spira (Final Fantasy)#Creatures and races|Guado]] }} {{nihongo|'''Seymour Guado'''|シーモア＝グアド|Shīmoa-Guado|lead=yes}} is a [[character (arts)|fictional]] [[video game]] [[player character|character]] in [[Square Enix]]'s ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series who appears as a major [[antagonist]] and temporarily [[playable character]] in the 2001 [[role-playing video game]] ''[[Final Fantasy X]]''. Seymour is a 28-year-old [[Magician (fantasy)|mage]] and [[priest]] of the fictional religion of [[Spira (Final Fantasy)|Yevon]].<ref>{{cite book|editor=Studio BentStuff|year=2001|title=Final Fantasy X Ultimania Ω|language=ja|publisher=[[DigiCube]]|isbn=978-4-88787-021-5}}</ref> He is half-human and half [[Guado]], as his father [[Jyscal Guado]] married a human woman in hopes that it would improve relations between their races. His father was a [[Spira (Final Fantasy)|maester]] in the Church of Yevon, which controls the fictional and [[theocracy|theocratic]] world of [[Spira (Final Fantasy)|Spira]]. Prior to the events of the game, Seymour killed Jyscal in order to inherit his position. Seymour also holds the position of Minister of Temple Affairs, which oversees [[Spira (Final Fantasy)#Aeons and fayth|summoners]].<ref name="p082"/> A summoner himself, he attempts to use his stature to manipulate the fledgling summoner [[Yuna (Final Fantasy)|Yuna]] into aiding him with his goal of becoming the monster [[Sin (Final Fantasy)|Sin]] and "freeing" everyone from their pain by killing them.
He has appeared in other video games in the ''Final Fantasy'' franchise, including the ''Final Fantasy X'' sequel ''[[Final Fantasy X-2]]'' and various [[List of Final Fantasy video games#Spin-offs|spin-off games]] such as the ''[[Dissidia Final Fantasy]]'' and ''[[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy]]'' series.
Seymour has been generally well-received by video game critics for his role in the narrative and challenge level. He frequently ranks as one of the most memorable antagonists in the ''Final Fantasy'' series due to his nihilistic personality and his unwillingness to accept defeat.
== Creation and development == Seymour's design was created by ''Final Fantasy'' artist [[Tetsuya Nomura]].<ref name="character"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=eSports |first=Movistar |date=2019-07-26 |title=Los mejores enemigos de Final Fantasy |url=https://esports.as.com/bonus/mejores-enemigos-Final-Fantasy_3_1264103578.html |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=Movistar eSports |language=es}}</ref> During the development of ''Final Fantasy X'', it was proposed that characters grow stronger through a "tattoo system" where the player would have [[Experience point#Level-based progression|leveled up]] by placing tattoos on a grid. To reflect this, Seymour — as well as [[Characters of Final Fantasy X and X-2#Jecht|Jecht]] and [[Characters of Final Fantasy X and X-2#Brother|Brother]] — were designed with large, prominent tattoos.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Fainaru fantaji tuentififusu memoriaru arutimania. 3 (Ju juichi juni jusan juyon) |date=December 2012|publisher=Sukuueaenikkusu|isbn=978-4-7575-3771-2|oclc=840074639}}</ref> Though this proposed system was scrapped during development, Seymour's final character design retained his chest tattoo.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Fainaru fantajī 10 arutimania omega.|date=2002|publisher=Dejikyūbu|isbn=4-88787-021-3|location=Tōkyō|oclc=675771045}}</ref>
[[Junichi Suwabe]], the character's Japanese voice actor, was not originally planning on auditioning for the role of Seymour. He first auditioned to play the roles of [[Tidus]] and Jecht, later trying to read [[Characters of Final Fantasy X and X-2#Auron|Auron]]'s lines before finding Seymour's dialogue in his additional materials.<ref name="suwabe"/>
== Appearances ==
=== ''Final Fantasy X'' === Seymour is a major antagonist in ''Final Fantasy X'', who is first introduced as a nominal ally. Born to a Guado father and a human mother, Seymour faced prejudice from members of both races. His father, Jyscal Guado, a high-ranking member of the clergy, ordered the exile of Seymour and his mother to the remote island of Baaj during his childhood. Believing there was no other way for him to be accepted, his mother brought him to [[Spira (Final_Fantasy)#Geography|Zanarkand]] where she sacrificed herself to become the [[Spira (Final Fantasy)#Aeons and fayth|aeon]] Anima and intended for him to use her powers to defeat Sin. He would instead spend the remainder of his youth isolated in the Baaj temple, forming twisted views on life and death. Motivated by his belief that the suffering caused by Sin is inescapable and that peace can only be attained in death, Seymour plots to become Sin himself to destroy all of [[Spira (Final Fantasy)|Spira]]. Shortly before the events of the game, Seymour murdered his father to inherit his power and influence, putting his plans into motion.<ref name = "giantbomb">{{Cite web|title=Seymour Guado (Character)|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/seymour-guado/3005-1228/?path=/seymour-guado/3005-1228/&permanent=1&httpPort=80&httpsPort=443|access-date=2021-12-29|website=Giant Bomb|language=en|archive-date=2021-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229154038/https://www.giantbomb.com/seymour-guado/3005-1228/?path=/seymour-guado/3005-1228/&permanent=1&httpPort=80&httpsPort=443|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Mecheri |first=Damien |title=La Légende Final Fantasy X : Création - univers - décryptage. |date=2018 |publisher=Primento Digital Publishing |others=Georges «. Grouard |isbn=978-2-37784-021-2 |location=Cork |oclc=1023550412}}</ref>
The game's protagonists first meet Seymour before a [[Blitzball (Final Fantasy)|blitzball]] match, where he is introduced to the public as Yevon's newest maester. The match is interrupted when the stadium is swarmed by monsters Seymour secretly unleashed, only so that he could eliminate them using Anima in a staged show of strength. He then attempts to court [[Yuna (Final Fantasy)|Yuna]] as means to becoming her [[Spira (Final Fantasy)#Fictional history|final aeon]]. However, the party soon learns of Jyscal's murder and confronts Seymour. Realizing that he can no longer achieve his goals by gaining Yuna's trust, Seymour instead chooses to enact his plans by force, and attempts to kill her party. Seymour dies in battle, but remains in the world as an [[Spira (Final Fantasy)#Mythos|unsent]] spirit.<ref name = "giantbomb"/>
Following his defeat, Yuna is captured by Seymour's guardians and brought to [[Spira (Final Fantasy)#Geography|Bevelle]], the capital of Spira's theocracy. [[Tidus]] and his party arrive to find the two at a staged wedding ceremony. The party tries to prevent the wedding, but they end up being held at gunpoint and used as leverage to force Yuna to marry Seymour. Once the wedding is over, Yuna and her party are captured and put on trial for treason. The trial is judged by the four maesters of Yevon, including Seymour. Yuna is sentenced to death, and Seymour offers to kill her personally. Distrustful of Seymour's intentions, maester [[Characters of Final Fantasy X and X-2#Yevon order|Kinoc]] insists on joining him. As Yuna tries to escape, Seymour kills Kinoc and presents his corpse to the party. He reveals his plan to become Sin, and proceeds to absorb Kinoc's spirit as he shapeshifts into a monstrous form. The party defeats him a second time and continues their journey, now viewed as traitors by the Church. At [[Spira (Final Fantasy)#Geography|Mt. Gagazet]], Seymour makes a last-ditch effort to prevent Yuna from reaching Zanarkand without him, killing numerous members of the Ronso tribe and using their spirits to transform once again, only for him to be defeated a third time.<ref name = "giantbomb"/>
At Zanarkand, Yuna learns that acquiring the final aeon used to defeat Sin requires sacrificing someone close to her, only for this aeon to become the next Sin. She instead opts to break the cycle, rendering Seymour's plans moot. Yuna and her party then travel inside of Sin to defeat it, where they find that Seymour's spirit had been absorbed by it. He reveals that he now intends to control the current Sin from within, and battles the party a final time. Yuna sends his spirit to the afterlife, ending his presence in the world.<ref name = "giantbomb"/>
=== Sequels and spinoffs === Following the events of ''Final Fantasy X'', Seymour has a minor role in its sequel, ''Final Fantasy X-2''. During ''X-2'''s main story, the character appears only in a flashback cutscene.<ref name="baralai">{{cite video game|title=Final Fantasy X-]|developer=Square Co.|quote='''Baralai''': The Crimson Squad is no more. Maester Kinoc betrayed us. And my friends...they turned on me as well. I have no place else to go. / '''Seymour''': Then, why do you come to me? I, too, am a maester of Yevon. / '''Baralai''': I don't suppose Maester Kinoc and a certain other maester might by vying for power behind the scenes? ''[...]'' I will not fail you. / '''Seymour''': Very well. I will take you under my wing. Consider any record of your association with the Crimson Squad erased. / '''Baralai''': You have my thanks. I will go into hiding until the time is right.}}</ref> In the ''Final Fantasy X-2 International'' edition of the game, additional side content gives the player the option to battle Seymour and recruit him as a playable character.<ref name="internationalnew">{{cite web| url = http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2003/12/24/104,1072248658,19419,0,0.html| title = コロシアムにあのキャラクターが登場!? 『ファイナルファンタジーX-2 インターナショナル＋ラストミッション 』| publisher = [[Famitsu]]| access-date = July 6, 2010| archive-date = November 8, 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161108052302/http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2003/12/24/104,1072248658,19419,0,0.html| url-status = live}}</ref>
Seymour appears as a playable character in the 2017 game ''[[Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dissidia Database |url=https://dissidiadb.com/seymour |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=dissidiadb.com |archive-date=2023-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211190029/https://dissidiadb.com/seymour |url-status=live }}</ref> Seymour was initially considered to represent ''Final Fantasy X'' in the 2008 ''[[Dissidia Final Fantasy]]'', which included one protagonist and one antagonist character from each ''Final Fantasy'' game. In an interview, developer Tetsuya Nomura stated that they ultimately decided to have Jecht appear in the 2008 game instead as his character is a foil to Tidus, while Seymour would have been a foil to Yuna.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dissidia: Final Fantasy Interview |url=https://squareinsider.com/articles/1385/dissidia-final-fantasy-interview |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=squareinsider.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211165718/https://squareinsider.com/articles/1385/dissidia-final-fantasy-interview |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the ''[[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy]]'' series, Seymour makes recurring appearances as a playable character in ''Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: All-Star Carnival''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: All-Star Carnival Characters |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-allstar-carnival/3030-55540/characters/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Giant Bomb |language=en |archive-date=2023-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514002652/https://www.giantbomb.com/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-allstar-carnival/3030-55540/characters/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[Theatrhythm Final Bar Line]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Characters in Theatrhythm Final Bar Line Listed - Prima Games |url=https://primagames.com/tips/all-characters-in-theatrhythm-final-bar-line-listed |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=primagames.com|date=17 February 2023 }}</ref> while also appearing as a non-playable enemy character.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theatrhythm Final Fantasy : Curtain Call |url=https://www.nautiljon.com/jeuxvideo/theatrhythm+final+fantasy+-+curtain+call,1281.html |website=Nautiljon |access-date=2023-05-14 |archive-date=2023-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514002649/https://www.nautiljon.com/jeuxvideo/theatrhythm+final+fantasy+-+curtain+call,1281.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call : tous les codes et astuces - Gamekult |url=https://www.gamekult.com/jeux/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-call-3050179383/astuces.html |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=www.gamekult.com |archive-date=2023-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514002650/https://www.gamekult.com/jeux/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-call-3050179383/astuces.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Reception == [[Engadget]] praised that the character was "created to be resented," making it more satisfying to defeat him, commenting that he inspired a "near-instant hatred" which "only deepened with each of his appearances."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stiq Figures, February 3 - 9: Gaming rivals edition |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/2014-02-17-stiq-figures-february-3-9-gaming-rivals-edition.html |access-date=2022-04-17 |website=sg.news.yahoo.com |date=17 February 2014 |language=en-SG |archive-date=2022-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417195428/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/2014-02-17-stiq-figures-february-3-9-gaming-rivals-edition.html |url-status=live }}</ref> An article in ''TheGamer'' praised Seymour's character design and personality, commenting that his traditional robes reflect that he is part of the old guard, while the boldness of his design makes him stand out, reflecting his own ambitions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-21|title=10 Final Fantasy X Characters Ranked By Outfit|url=https://www.thegamer.com/final-fantasy-10-characters-outfits/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=TheGamer|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227230039/https://www.thegamer.com/final-fantasy-10-characters-outfits/|url-status=live}}</ref> The entertainment website [[:vi:Việt Giải Trí|Việt Giải Tri]] wrote that his character design communicates to the player that Seymour is an antagonist before the game's story makes this clear.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-17 |title=Những kẻ phản diện đáng nhớ nhất trong Final Fantasy - Game offline - Tin trong ngày |url=https://vietgiaitri.com/nhung-ke-phan-dien-dang-nho-nhat-trong-final-fantasy-20211017i6099427/ |access-date=2022-01-19 |website=Việt Giải Trí |language=vi |archive-date=2022-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119221519/https://vietgiaitri.com/nhung-ke-phan-dien-dang-nho-nhat-trong-final-fantasy-20211017i6099427/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' was more critical of his appearance, listing Seymour's hairstyle as one of the worst in video game history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burchill |first=Roger |date=2021-11-01 |title=Five Worst Video Game Hairdon'ts |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/18/five-worst-video-game-hairdonts |access-date=2021-12-27 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=2022-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119223758/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/18/five-worst-video-game-hairdonts |url-status=live }}</ref>
Seymour was compared favorably to other antagonists in ''Final Fantasy X'' by the [[:id:IDN Times|IDN Times]], which argued that the large amount of screentime he received throughout the main storyline made him a more memorable character.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Times |first1=I. D. N. |last2=Putra |first2=Alfonsus Adi |title=15 Antagonis Terbaik hingga Terburuk di Jagat Final Fantasy |url=https://www.idntimes.com/tech/games/alfonsus-adi-putra-2/kumpulan-antagonis-terbaik-sampai-terburuk-di-dunia-game-final-fantasy |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=IDN Times |language=id |archive-date=2022-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217022103/https://www.idntimes.com/tech/games/alfonsus-adi-putra-2/kumpulan-antagonis-terbaik-sampai-terburuk-di-dunia-game-final-fantasy |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Green Man Gaming]] opined that Seymour is among the most memorable antagonists in the series due to his influential role in the game's world and his sinister intentions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gina |first=Rob |title=Our Favorite FF Villains |url=https://www.greenmangaming.com/intel-feature/final-fantasy-xiv-fan-festival/our-favourite-final-fantasy-villains/ |access-date=27 December 2021 |website=Green Man Gaming |archive-date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119223759/https://www.greenmangaming.com/intel-feature/final-fantasy-xiv-fan-festival/our-favourite-final-fantasy-villains/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a [[Yahoo! Voices]] article, Seymour's familiar Anima was praised for its symbolism, with the author regarding it as "an astonishing collective of symbols and themes, perfectly wrapping up the many competing elements of ''Final Fantasy X''."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-21 |title=An Analysis of Anima from Final Fantasy X - Yahoo Voices - voices.yahoo.com |url=http://voices.yahoo.com/an-analysis-anima-final-fantasy-x-6128784.html?cat=19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921120817/http://voices.yahoo.com/an-analysis-anima-final-fantasy-x-6128784.html?cat=19 |archive-date=2013-09-21 |access-date=2021-12-29}}</ref> [[Yuna (Final Fantasy)|Yuna's]] abortive wedding with Seymour was ranked as the third most memorable matrimony in the history of [[PlayStation]] by ''[[Official PlayStation Magazine (UK)|Official PlayStation Magazine]]'' in 2014.<ref>''Official PlayStation Magazine UK'' 92 (January 2014), page 30.</ref>
An article in [[The Outline (website)|The Outline]] mentioned that the character's challenging battles contributed to ''Final Fantasy X'' having "exciting and strategic" gameplay.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Edwards|first=Aaron|title='Final Fantasy' taught me how to be a friend|url=https://theoutline.com/post/780/final-fantasy-taught-me-how-to-be-a-friend|access-date=2022-01-19|website=The Outline|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119215426/https://theoutline.com/post/780/final-fantasy-taught-me-how-to-be-a-friend|url-status=live}}</ref> A reviewer for the entertainment website ''Cinelinx'' praised the third battle against Seymour for its difficulty, writing "To this day, the victory over Seymour is still one of my all-time favorite video game moments."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malliaros |first=Matt |date=2021-07-19 |title=20 Years Later, Final Fantasy X Remains One of the Series' Best Games |url=https://www.cinelinx.com/news/culture/20-years-later-final-fantasy-x-remains-one-of-the-series-best-games/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=Cinelinx {{!}} Movies. Games. Geek Culture. |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211184956/https://www.cinelinx.com/news/culture/20-years-later-final-fantasy-x-remains-one-of-the-series-best-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the 2009 thesis ''Final Fantasy X and Video Game Narrative: Re-Imagining the Quest Story'', literary scholar Mark Host writes "Seymour is interesting in that he is the antithesis of Tidus, and more than a mere obstacle to the party." Host likens Tidus and Seymour to the [[Epic poetry|epic]] characters [[Beowulf (hero)|Beowulf]] and [[Grendel]], as both Grendel and Seymour were social outcasts who lived in exile. Host also argues the similarities between the characters' backstories extend to their reasons for being exiled, with Grendel's banishment being a result of his father murdering a family member, while Seymour's exiling was ordered by his father and preceded his murder.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Host |first=Mark |date=2009-01-01 |title=Final Fantasy X and Video Game Narrative: Re-Imagining the Quest Story |url=https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/etdarchive/493/ |journal=ETD Archive |archive-date=2025-01-04 |access-date=2025-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104142951/https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/etdarchive/493/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In his ''Meaning and emotion in Squaresoft's Final Fantasy X: Re-theorising realism and identification in video games'', media studies lecturer Glen Spoors argues that the "constant re-typing of Seymour is central to FFX's [[hermeneutics]]", noting that his perception by the player evolves from "romantic competitor" and "young leader" to "politician" and "treacherous tyrant", "patricidal" and "genocidal lunatic", to eventually "psychologically disturbed." Spoors considers his character design to be a collection of taboos, most notably [[miscegenation]], while also suggesting that the character has a sexually ambiguous presentation. Spoors regards Seymour as a [[false hero]] and draws parallels between him and the story's over-arching antagonist, [[Characters of Final Fantasy X and X-2#Yu Yevon|Yu Yevon]], arguing that the two are an allegory for "how giving into fear and hate can give rise to escalating, pointless suffering."<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Spoors |first=Glen |date=2005-01-01 |title=Meaning and emotion in Squaresoft's Final Fantasy X: Re-theorising realism and identification in video games |url=https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/619/ |journal=Theses: Doctorates and Masters |archive-date=2025-01-04 |access-date=2025-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104151430/https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/619/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== References == {{reflist|30em}}
{{Final Fantasy X and X-2}} {{Final Fantasy series}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Guado, Seymour}} [[Category:Final Fantasy X characters]] [[Category:Characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura]] [[Category:Video game characters introduced in 2001]] [[Category:Fictional priests and priestesses]] [[Category:Video game bosses]] [[Category:Fictional mass murderers]] [[Category:Fictional half-elves]] [[Category:Fictional shamans]] [[Category:Fictional spiritual mediums]] [[Category:Religious worker characters in video games]] [[Category:Fictional shapeshifters]] [[Category:Undead characters in video games]] [[Category:Fictional characters who use magic]] [[Category:Fictional characters with fire or heat abilities]] [[Category:Fictional characters with ice or cold abilities]] [[Category:Fictional characters with water abilities]] [[Category:Fictional characters with electric or magnetic abilities]]