One of the greatest aspects ofThe Legend of Zeldais its vast array of iconic characters. Almost every entry is filled with its own cast of unique individuals that either aid or work against the player in their adventure, helping to create a real, tangible world in the process. More importantly,the dilemmas and challenges that certain characters face connect directly to the main story of their respective game, making them an invaluable part of the player’s journey.
Unfortunately, bothBreath of the Wildand its sequel,Tears of the Kingdom, falter when it comes to their most prominent side characters. Despite showing initial promise,the characters inBOTWandTOTKfail to leave a big enough impact on the player and their journey, resulting in a bevy of wasted potential. The way in whichBOTWandTOTKfail to utilizeone of theZeldaseries' strongest aspectsproves detrimental to both games' narrative, and shows the need for a potential third game to improve on this.
The Champions & Sages Struggle To Leave An Impact
None Of The Characters Get A Chance To Shine
Upon introduction, the Champions inBOTWand the Sages inTOTKare presented as important characters in the narrative. While the members who make up either team are different, the purpose of the Champions and the Sages is the same: protecting Princess Zelda and saving the kingdom of Hyrule.This is most evident in the way that the Champions and Sages help the player, whether that be assisting them in reaching major dungeons or granting a range of abilities that can be used in combat and traversal.
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However, beyond their assistance during gameplay, the Champions and Sages have little influence over the narrative. For example, the Champions almost exclusively make appearances during flashbacks inBOTW,which provide little context about each character’s significance and connection with Link. Meanwhile, the personal journeys that each Sage goes through inTOTKare often sidelined to maintain focus on the player’s mission in conquering the temples and obtaining the Secret Stones.
The Champions and many of the Sages are given major roles inHyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, although the events of this game are not considered part of the series' canon.
The primary issue surrounding the implementation of the Champions and Sages is how almost none of the characters are given a chance to truly stand out. SinceBOTWandTOTKplace less emphasis on narrative in favor of granting the player a greater sense of freedom,each character’s struggles and development is put on hold to allow the player to take initiative. As a result, the Champions and Sages struggle to have the same impact that many otherbeloved characters in theZeldaseriesachieve, as players are denied the opportunity to connect with them.
Characters' Stories Are Often Rushed Or Pushed Aside
What makes this decision particularly disappointing is how the Champions' and Sages' stories showcase a huge amount of potential. When a member of either team is first introduced, players get a brief glimpse into that character’s own dilemmas and their struggle to overcome them. Not only would following each character’s journey allow for a player to better relate and connect with the Champions or Sages,but it would also compliment and strengthen bothBOTW’s andTOTK’s core themes, resulting in a stronger overall narrative.
The Gerudo Chief Riju is an example in either game of players being able to witness a character’s journey properly unfold. In bothBOTWandTOTK, players follow Riju as she comes to terms with her responsibilities as a leader, while also struggling to take control of the lightning power she possesses.Riju’s internal conflict regarding the gargantuan role bestowed upon her is something that any player can connect with, reflecting the responsibilities that come with entering adulthood, while only emphasizing the theme of destiny that echoes throughout both games, making her story a major highlight.
The character stories inZeldagames aren’t simply a means of adding more narrative elements.
The journey that Riju goes on duringBOTWandTOTKis emblematic of the importance of having fully realized, complexcharacters withinZeldagames. By giving characters the space and opportunity to develop and grow during the adventure,it often serves as a reminder to the player of the importance of their missionand the people they must save. The character stories inZeldagames aren’t simply a means of adding more narrative elements, but help in making whatever location the player finds themselves in feel like a real, tangible world, creating a better sense of immersion overall.
Yet, the Champions and Sages are repeatedly denied the opportunity to do this. Whether it’s Lady Mipha’s feelings towards Link having little importance inBOTW, or Tulin’s initial recklessness being easily resolved inTOTK,the characters' journeys are often rushed or pushed aside, denying the player a chance to truly connect with them. It not only prevents these characters from having the same impact and relatability as other iconicZeldacharacters, but it preventsBOTWandTOTKfrom fully immersing the player in their version of Hyrule.
How A Third Game Could Do Its Characters Justice
The Characters Deserve To Have More Complete Narratives
If a potential third gameset directly afterTOTKis released, it’s clear that a different approach needs to be taken for its own cast of major characters. One major way this can be accomplished is simply by giving these characters more time in the spotlight, allowing them to go through their own journeys and overcome their own struggles. In doing so,the characters are able to become fully realized individuals, with their own desires and doubts that a player can connect with in the same way so many pastZeldacharacters have achieved.
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Moreover, the characters would benefit from having their personal journeys be better incorporated into the overarching narrative. Riju’s ability to fulfill the role bestowed upon her is not just a compelling story on its own, butfeeds directly into Link’s journey throughoutBOTWandTOTK,as he fulfills his own destiny to become the hero of Hyrule. By better incorporating characters into the main narrative, it not only gives them ample opportunity to shine, but only strengthens the themes and messaging that the game is trying to convey.
WhileBOTWandTOTKstrove to grant the player more freedom in their approach, it came at the cost of one of theZeldaseries' strongest aspects. Well-developed characters inThe Legend of Zeldagames are crucial in creating that sense of immersion that the series is known for, and the lack of time granted to the Champions or the Sages ultimately hamperedBOTW’s andTOTK’s own attempts at engrossing the player. If a direct sequel toTOTKdoes come to fruition, more time and focus should be placed into giving its cast of characters the attention they deserve.
