To some extent, yes. They are an extension of oneself, shaped by one's aether. While they can be stubborn or unruly, in the end they are your own life energy given form. Whatever stubbornness my Carbuncle has stems from my own.

The Carbuncles of the most adept Arcanists tend to be lacking in personality — it is a sign of their skill and mastery of arcanima.

[ She gives a small shrug. ]

I can make mine wholly obedient if I so wished it, but it was the first friend I had and I would not strip it of its personality without reason.