The long-running Legend of Zelda series has seen many entries, but never another protagonist besides Link. While there have been brief instances within games where players have had the chance to play as another character, Link has always been an integral part of each title. In the many stories told by the games over time, however, several other characters have been introduced who could serve as worthy video game protagonists besides Link thanks to their interesting narrative potential and new manners of combat when that could switch things up for the better.
Many fans likely have their own personal hopes for returning characters in Zelda: Tears of a Kingdom, but regardless of who ends up being a part of the game's narrative, it won't change the game's protagonist. At this point, Link has come to be the expected main character of every mainline title in the series. While this hasn't always been the case for spinoffs, with games like Hyrule Warriors and Tingle's Balloon Fight DS allowing players to step into the shoes of other characters, and there have been short segments in mainline Zelda games where players could control someone else, a character besides Link has never really gotten the chance to truly shine.
Medli Could Have A Musical Legend Of Zelda Adventure
Known from her appearance in The Wind Waker, Legend of Zelda's Medli could make an excellent protagonist in her own right. The Rito may have changed in each Zelda game they appear in, but the race has been a key part the world they inhabit in each one, particularly Medli and her musical powers. Medli showed in Hyrule Warriors she's a strong fighter in her own right, using her Rito Harp to launch wind at enemies in interesting ways. This intriguing character could have a whole game delving into the world of the Rito more, using her harp as a weapon against enemies, and her flight ability could lead to unique new in-game puzzles and navigation.
Tetra & Her Pirates Could Tell A Seafaring Legend Of Zelda Story
The reincarnated version of the eponymous Princess Zelda Tetra could easily lead a game herself. She is considered by many to be the LoZ's series' best version of Zelda, and alongside her loyal pirate crew could tell an amazing seafaring adventure tale. A game of her own could dive into Tetra's backstory and give interesting new lore for the world - she became captain after her mother died, but other than that not much is known about her origins, family history, or how she assembled her crew. Whether the game was simply about seafaring and plundering or pitting Tetra against the forces of evil herself, she's a great candidate for a Legend of Zelda protagonist.
Ganondorf Could Tell A Legend Of Zelda Villian's Origin
Ganondorf is hands-down the most iconic Legend of Zelda villain in the entire series, returning again and again to face up with Link throughout the series' timeline. Zelda games are better when Ganondorf, not Ganon alone, are there, and although the series has done a good job over the years fleshing out the antagonist's backstory, he could still absolutely shine in his own game. The story could perhaps show the powerful King of Gerudo during his ruling era, struggling to provide for his people in the Gerudo Desert before taking a deeply evil turn. In addition to telling a fresh take on his story, Ganondorf's magical powers could provide interesting new combat mechanics that switch up gameplay.
Sheik Is Deserving Of A Stealthy Legend Of Zelda Title
Another form of Princess Zelda, Sheik is a persona taken on by her during Ocarina of Time that could completely hold their own in a separate game. In fact, an allegedly canceled Sheik Legend of Zelda spin-off would have done just that, but fans will never see the completed title. Sheik only appears for short moments in Ocarina of Time that leave many fans wanting more, particularly considering the character's combative prowess and overall powerful nature, which are shown off more in Hyrule Warriors and the Super Smash Bros. series.
Sheik always seems to appear out of thin air when finding Link throughout Ocarina of Time, showing off a sly nature that would fit perfectly in a more stealth-focused title than the average Zelda game. A Sheik game could fall during the period of time Link is asleep in the Temple of Time and show more about what Sheik was actually doing in Ocarina of Time. Little is known about what happens during the seven years Link is asleep, and a Sheik game would be a great way to learn more about that period of time as well as explore Sheik's combative capabilities as they hold their own in Link's absence and wage war against Ganondorf.
A Legend Of Zelda Game Starring Midna Would Be Shadowy Fun
The eponymous Twilight Princess from the game of the same name would make an excellent star of a title all her own. Whether she would be in her true form or the much tinier appearance she has in most of Twilight Princess, Midna is both a powerful and entertaining character that would make for an incredibly enjoyable game experience. Midna is one of Link's best companions in Legend of Zelda's long-running history, and has a combination of unique magic and interesting backstory that make her a perfect potential protagonist. Her fighting prowess was really showcased in Hyrule Warriors, with her control of Shadows making for engaging combat, and she could give more insight into Twili lore.
Part of what has made the Legend of Zelda series so enduring is its many strong characters. Link has always remained the series' star, and while he's proven to be a consistently strong protagonist, it's high time that another beloved character had the spotlight. There are plenty of other characters whose combination of interesting storyline potential and intriguing combat styles would shake things up in innovative ways. As players replay Zelda games before Tears of the Kingdom releases, they will likely even come across more strong candidates for other main characters not listed here. While these Legend of Zelda characters may never get their time in the sun, their potential is a testament to the series' well-crafted characters.
Source: Nintendo Unity/YouTube
