NPCs in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Who Deserve More Spotlight

In the sprawling world of Hyrule, it's often the main heroes and villains who capture the spotlight. But let's be real, some of the most memorable moments in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom come from the quirky, charming, and sometimes downright bizarre characters Link bumps into on his journey. As a sequel to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom brings back many familiar faces, giving players a glimpse into how their lives have changed—or haven't—over the years. These interactions, though sometimes brief, leave a lasting impression, making us wish we could spend just a little more time getting to know them. From a giant, dancing Korok to a fashion-obsessed adventurer, here are some of the NPCs who absolutely deserve more screen time, or maybe even their own spin-off adventures.

10. Hestu: The Extremely Large Korok Who Loves To Dance

First up is Hestu, the oversized Korok who's always ready to shake his maracas. This guy is the heart and soul of Korok Village, not to mention its most celebrated musician. His main gig? Taking those pesky Korok Seeds off Link's hands in exchange for expanding his inventory. But Hestu isn't just a functional NPC; he's a bundle of pure, unadulterated joy. Seriously, try talking to him while Link's not wearing any clothes—his gleeful reaction is priceless. His love for dance and music brings a cheerful energy to the game that's a welcome respite from all the gloom and doom. You can't help but wonder about his backstory. How did he get so big? What's his favorite song to perform? A deeper dive into Hestu's world would be an absolute delight.

9. Jerrin: The Hylian Researcher with Nerves of... Something

Found in the emergency bunker beneath Lookout Landing, Jerrin is one of Hyrule's many dedicated researchers. She's married to the eccentric Robbie (they met through Purah, of course) and has a son, Granté, who's got his own interesting story. But Jerrin's moment in the spotlight comes from a rather... unfortunate accident. She's the one who accidentally broke open the wall leading to the Royal Hidden Passage. Now, a creepy, demonic voice is emanating from the hole, and Jerrin is utterly convinced she's doomed. Yet, what does she do? She just keeps sweeping in front of it. Endlessly. Talk about dedication—or maybe denial? Her mix of panic and mundane perseverance is both hilarious and oddly relatable. More of her story, especially how she handles living with the ever-eccentric Robbie, would be a treat.

8. Pikango: The Traveling Painter Who Got a Smaller Canvas

Ah, poor Pikango. In Breath of the Wild, this traveling painter was a key guide, helping Link recover lost memories and even pointing out a Great Fairy Fountain. Fast forward to Tears of the Kingdom, and his role has shrunk considerably—he mainly helps Link find an ancient text for another character. It feels like a missed opportunity, you know? In a game where creativity is king thanks to Ultrahand and Fuse, the creative painter of Hyrule could have been given so much more to do. Imagine side quests where Link helps him paint murals of restored landmarks or find inspiration in the new sky islands. Pikango's reduced presence leaves us wanting more of his artistic perspective on a changed world.

7. Meeshy: The Fashion-Focused Adventurer

Meeshy is a character who shows some real growth between games. In Breath of the Wild, she was a wannabe adventurer dressed in sensible gear but was too cowardly to really go for it. In Tears of the Kingdom, she's traded her practical clothes for a new mission: hunting down Misko's Treasure, a collection of rare outfits hidden across Hyrule. Her enthusiasm for fashion is infectious, and it's a fun twist on the typical adventurer archetype. Her journey from a scaredy-cat to a confident treasure hunter (with a sharp eye for style) is entertaining, even in small doses. Following her on a full quest to become Hyrule's top fashion archaeologist would be a blast.

6. Addison: The Dedicated (and Clueless) Sign Guy

Link first stumbles upon Addison desperately trying to keep a sign featuring Hudson's face from toppling over. This eager Hudson Construction employee sees sign-holding as a heroic duty, bless his heart, even though he clearly has no idea what he's doing. His unwavering loyalty and boundless, slightly misguided enthusiasm make him a hilarious highlight in a world full of ancient evils and gloom. In a game with so much tension, Addison's simple, comical struggles are a breath of fresh air. You almost wish he could tag along with Link for a bit, if only to provide some much-needed moral support (and comic relief) during the tougher battles.

5. Konora: The Gerudo Woman Under the Cherry Blossoms

Konora has very minor roles in both games, but her quiet, philosophical presence is strangely captivating. In Breath of the Wild, she was the one who politely but firmly told Link he couldn't enter Gerudo Town. In Tears of the Kingdom, she's found sitting peacefully under Cherry Blossom Trees scattered across Hyrule. Her dialogue is a gem—she muses aloud about whether she's destined to fall in love with Link before casually switching to recounting the legend of the Satori. It's this blend of personal whimsy and ancient wisdom that makes her so intriguing. More interactions with Konora, perhaps delving into Gerudo folklore or her own quiet reflections on life, would add a beautiful, serene layer to the game.

4. Penn: The Rito Reporter on the Hunt

Penn is a fantastic addition as a Rito reporter for the Lucky Clover Gazette, hot on the trail of breaking news—especially regarding the disappearance of Princess Zelda. His tenacity is fun to watch; he's a proper journalist, using his ability to converse with birds to gather information. The Rito as a race have always been fascinating, and Penn embodies their curious and communicative nature. It's a shame he doesn't become a more permanent companion. Imagine a side story where Link and Penn team up to solve mysteries across Hyrule, with Penn providing aerial reconnaissance and witty commentary. Now that's a dynamic duo waiting to happen.

3. Beedle: The Eternal Merchant

Beedle is a legend at this point, having appeared in seven Zelda games. Yet, for a character so ever-present, we know shockingly little about him. Does he have a home? A family? What's his deal? His entire life seems to be an endless journey of buying and selling. Despite this mystery—or perhaps because of it—his cheerful "THANK YOU!" and recurring appearances have cemented him as a beloved fixture. There's a comforting familiarity to seeing his giant backpack on the horizon. Giving Beedle a larger role, maybe a questline that reveals why he travels or where he comes from, would be a fantastic way to reward players' long-standing affection for this enigmatic salesman.

2. Rauru: The First King of Hyrule

Rauru is central to Tears of the Kingdom's story. He's the one who gives Link his new arm and sets the entire plot in motion. As a Zonai and the first King of Hyrule alongside Queen Sonia, his history is deeply woven into the land's very foundation. He was responsible for defeating and sealing Ganondorf long before Link's time. While the game reveals key parts of his past, there's so much more to explore about the Zonai civilization, his reign, and his relationship with Sonia. Flashbacks or lore entries that delve deeper into his era would enrich the game's world-building immensely. Honestly, his story feels epic enough for its own prequel.

1. Tulin: The Young Rito Sage

One could argue Tulin gets plenty of attention, but his character arc is so good it demands even more. Between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, he grows from an awestruck child who idolizes Link into a brave, capable warrior and Sage of Wind. He fights alongside Link, helps him master new paragliding techniques, and has a bright, adorable personality to boot. His growth is remarkable and genuinely heartwarming. With his fighting skills, bravery, and charming design, Tulin is prime material for a spin-off game. Whether it's a story about his training to become a Sage or his own adventures in Hebra, players would undoubtedly love to see more of this feathered hero.

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These characters, in their own unique ways, add incredible depth and personality to the world of Tears of the Kingdom. They remind us that Hyrule isn't just a landscape to save; it's a living, breathing place filled with individuals who have their own dreams, fears, and quirky habits. Here's hoping that in future adventures, whether in DLC or new games, Nintendo gives these unforgettable NPCs the expanded roles they so richly deserve. After all, a hero's journey is always better with a memorable supporting cast.