Donnel /Donny

Initially he may come off as a simple farm boy who doesn't know much, and he considers himself to be this. While he's proud of his home village and its people, he admits there wasn't much in the way of education. But it turns out that if he puts his mind to it, he can learn and understand plenty. A good example is when Maribelle gave him a book of law to study, not expecting much to come from him. She was shocked to discover he'd memorized the entire book, and could easily put the more complicated terms into simpler ways of understanding. Donnel is often full of potential like this, but he always insists he's little more than a country boy. Even if he dies in the game, his final quotes are saying he simply did his best and he did his village proud. 

 

He has great admiration and respect for everyone in the Shepherds, and is often immediately cheerful and nice to people he meets for the first time. Despite being at war, he tries to believe the best in others, and has an optimistic streak. To use another example, Tharja is considered creepy and strange to almost everyone in the Shepherds, and she tends to cast curses on others. When Donnel learns this, he jumps at the chance to help her, as he automatically believes she's just like the mages back home, who used their curses to help people. It didn't cross his mind even once that she'd be trying to harm or even annoy anyone in the Shepherds. He's also willing to tolerate the playful antics of the younger-minded of the army, like Lissa and Nowi, even if it means he gets a little humiliated.
 

Oh, and in case you were wondering, he wears the pot because he has hat hair.
 

 

Once he had enough of the pity power, he inhaled deeply through his nostrils, and then pounded his chest twice. "All right!" He declared, eyes shining bright. "Ain't no backin' out of this now. I made a commitment, and I sure am gunna stick to it. You and be are gunna be workin' together from now on!" The Chocobo merely blinked at him. He took it as a good sign. He spat on his hands, rubbed them together, and took his time advancing toward the bird. When it came to large animals, slow and steady told them you meant no harm. Despite their size, you still had to be gentle with them. They deserved as much love and care as the little fellows did.

 

"Thank you kindly." He whispered to the Chocobo as he grabbed the saddle and began to climb on. So far, so good! He fondly stroked the back of the bird's head in appreciation before taking a good hold of the reign. "All right, let's take you out on a little test drive. Giddy-up!" He then clicked his tongue, and pressed his left foot softly into the bird's side.

 

To be fair, he had no idea any bird could run this fast. That would be a comforting thought later. Not now, when the Chocobo was speeding faster than any wagon he'd ever been on. "Whoooa! Hang on, hang on, hang oooon!"