If there's one thing you can count on in a The Legend of Zelda game, it's a cast of colorful characters, and Tears Of The Kingdom has plenty of them. With both the skies and Hyrule to explore, you'll meet some returning faces alongside brand-new ones.
They range from normal civilians to eccentric weirdoes who are more than ecstatic to have a few seconds of your attention. You're encouraged to talk to as many as possible for context, clues, and additional quests to undertake. This will lead to conversations with a lot of characters, but some are more memorable than others.
9 Rauru
While Zelda games seem to have phased companions out, they'll still find ways to introduce characters whose words stick with you. In Tears of the Kingdom, Link is saved and guided by Rauru, a Zonai. After being saved by his right arm, Link encounters him throughout his adjustment in the Sky.
Rauru presents himself as a calming and mysterious presence as Link learns to use his new power. He can also be found standing and sitting in certain spots musing after his circumstances and expressing sorrow for the Stewards. He has a distinctive character design that will stay in your mind as you learn more about the Zonai.
8 Backpack Koroks
When Koroks appeared in The Wind Waker, it was no surprise that Nintendo would have to bring them back. They return once again as the Children of the Forest and professional Hide-And-Seek players, but they also take on a new role.
A surprising number of Koroks have taken to traveling and have everything that they can't carry. You'll find these turtling cuties all over the Kingdom just hoping someone will help reach their friend. As can be expected, hilarity ensues when you pick them, move them around, and attach them to Zonai tech to send them on their way.
7 Purah
The Legend of Zelda has an interesting relationship with technology, and it's almost too obvious that the Purah Pad is supposed to be a Switch made for Link. It's a handheld that holds all the useful and necessary information and allows you to collect more. The Purah Pad is amazing, and you have the talented and passionate Purah to thank for that.
This scientist does over Link like an older sister while also pushing him to help further her research. Doing this not only benefits her, but it benefits you, and the rest of Hyrule. She hangs out in Castle town most of the time and a lot of the more beneficial quests are connected to her.
6 Meeshy
Hyrule is full of all manner of side and background characters that useful only show up in passing or in niche situations, but they can still grab your attention. If you explore the area surrounding Castle Town, you're likely to run into Meeshy. This friendly traveler dressed like a mushroom is on a quest of her own… A quest for FASHION!
Talking to her unveils the locations of several valuable outfit pieces that can improve your stats in a variety of ways. She encourages you to become a fashion hunter which is relatable in this world of costume packs and DLCs. She also sets you on the path to finding the first Great Fairy, which may also explain her distinctive attire.
5 The Great Fairies
Link has faced many a scary foe, but many would consider the Great Fairies to be among the most terrifying entities to encounter. No matter what form they take, they always have an unsettling ethereal air about them with melodically haunting voices. Still, they provide a very valuable service to Link and that's certainly the case in Tears Of The Kingdom.
Their appearance is still quite intimidating but in a more humorous fashion. These giant magical ladies lurking in giant flower buds make a show from their appearance but will not reveal themselves so easily. Should you meet their conditions, they'll help you out by enhancing your armor in a most unexpected fashion.
4 Addison
There are some characters that travel as much as Link, and they're even more impressive because they don't have nearly as much training or equipment as he does. Since much of Hyrule is still being rebuilt, construction companies are popping up all over.
One of them has a dedicated employee known as Addison who is so committed, that he is willing to stand endlessly holding up a sign depicting his boss whom he worships. There's something admirable about that level of commitment, but it's in your interest to help him out. When he's able to secure the sign, he gives you a batch of gifts before setting off to post up more signs.
3 Hestu
Among the Koroks, there used to be only two standout members in the Great Deku Tree and Makar. This changed with Breath of the Wild and continues in Tears of the Kingdom. Following the roads will lead to the large and sensitive Hestu, a Korok with a sweet mustache, tree hair, and a gift for grooving.
By comforting him, Hestu will offer to play his magical maracas for you which have the unusual power to increase your inventory pouches for Weapons, Bows, or Shields. However, he needs the help of Korok Seeds to do so and you can get this by finding hidden Koroks and helping Backpack Koroks. With one Seed per upgrade, it never gets old to watch Hestu do his stuff.
2 Koltin And Kilton
There are humanoids in The Legend of Zelda who may look strange from any other species of characters, and it's never really explained. That being said, Link and everyone else just seems to accept them and whatever they're trying to do. Among them is the sibling pair of interesting-looking guys, Koltin and Kilton.
You can find these guys trying to get Bubbul Gems in order to transform, which would explain why they wear clothes to look like other creatures. Nothing wrong with wanting to change and seeking out rare materials in order to do so, especially if it makes you happy. By giving Koltin Bubbul Gems, he'll share his creature outfits with you, which are fun, and creative, and can effectively help you blend in with similar-looking creatures.
1 Sidon
There are characters who you're happy to see because of how happy they are to see you. That's right, the friendly and supportive Zora Prince Sidon returns and is more boisterous than ever. He looks similar to what the humanoid form of the Red Gyarados from Pokemon Gen 2 would look like.
In addition to his cool, sleek, shark-like design, Sidon has an infectious personality and is very approachable despite being royalty. He's also generous, caring, and selfless, as you can find him using all his time and power just to keep his people and his land safe. You want to complete the quest just so you can get his thanks and praise.