Irvine Kinneas. Resident ladies man and wannabe cowboy. This calm, relaxed and 'cool' guy seems to let everyone know that he's that way. He values other people's opinons of him, and often acts as if he is 100% in control. However, in the assassination attempt towards Edea, we see the guy break down, and lose control for the first time. He feels as if he is unable to complete the task; that he's not good enough. This is first time we take a glimpse at Irvine's deep insecurities, and also a possible link to the mysterious link between all of the characters. Who exactly is Edea to Irvine
Squall "Irvine Kinneas!!!"
Irvine "I... I can't... I'm sorry, I can't do it. I always choke like this... I try to act all cool, joke around, but I just can't handle the pressure..."
Squall "Forget it. Just shoot."
Irvine "My bullet... The sorceress... I'll go down in history. I'd change the history of Galbadia... Of the world! It's all too much..."
Squall "Enough! Just shoot!"
Irvine "I can't, dammit!"
Squall "Irvine calm down. Everyone's waiting on you. I don't care if you miss. Whatever happens, just leave the rest to us. Just think of it as a signal. A sign for us to make our move."
Irvine "Just a signal..."
Squall "Please."
Irvine "Just a sign."
There is a theory that with people who have insecurities, there are two ways to react. One way is to do what Squall did, and to let no one else enter his life so that he can be hurt again. And the other way, is the way that Irvine reacted. To play it cool, to be in denial, to pretend that nothing is wrong.
However, sometimes we have a sneak peak to the way that he feels about the gang.
Irvine: I thought I was part of the gang.
Squall: Sorry about that.
Irvine: Why am I always the odd man out?
He often feels left out, maybe this is because he comes from Galbadia Garden instead of Balamb Garden, and maybe this is why, later on, he leads everyone through Galbadia Garden? He is also left out in the fact that he is the only one that remembers the incidents that happened in the past, that they were all linked (except Rinoa) by a mysterious fate, and grew up together in Edea's Orphanage
Irvine, though he may come across as dumb, is quite the contrary. He is possibly one of the most aware of all the characters, even more than Squall. This is due to the fact that he still has his past memories of the orphanage. He remembers Squall, Ellone, Quistis, Seifer, Zell and even his dear, Selphie. He is aware of their history, their background, but doesn't mention it until Trabia Garden.
One of the previous mentioned aspects of Irvine's life, is the assassination attempt on Edea. Why could he not kill her? It is seen, after we complete the game, that Irvine still remembers everything that has happened in the past, and he remembers that Edea is in fact his old orphan leader. This is another reason for him breaking down.