The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will feature several returning characters from Breath of the Wild, while also introducing new characters. Read on to see which characters have been confirmed to be returning, and which new characters we've seen so far.

Returning Characters

All Returning Characters
Link	Zelda	Ganondorf
Sidon	Riju	Tulin
Yunobo	Impa	Paya
Teba	Buliara	Master Kohga
Beedle	Koroks	-

Link

The Hero of Hyrule returns following the events of Breath of the Wild. From the official trailers we see Link's right arm get attacked by Malice that is seemingly emanating from Ganondorf's body. We also see Link's arm glow, which seems to be the source of his abilities in Tears of the Kingdom.

Unlike the previous title, Link has a longer hair and is wearing a different outfit. With the absence of the Sheikah Slate he previously possessed in the last game, he doesn't seem to have the Sheikah abilities anymore but has Zonai abilities instead. Link can be seen together with allies in a battle with enemies.

Link's Profile and Backstory

Zelda

In the first trailer, Zelda is seen accompanying Link into an ominous looking location housing Ganondorf's body. It seems the two were looking for Ganandorf, likely to put an end to him once and for all. Ganondorf sees the two and reacts causing a massive earthquake, and Zelda is seen falling. This may be the inciting incident that kicks off Link's quest.

In the final trailer, she is then seen holding a golden tear-shaped emblem, and it's most likely an essential part of the plot. The princess was also speaking to a larger Zonai man in which we can speculate that the Zonai man and the princess Zelda are the ones carved in the stone, depicting a prophecy of some sort, found behind the game's logo in a previous trailer.

Much like in the last game, we won't get to see Princess Zelda in the overworld again due to the events that will unfold in the story.

Zelda's Profile and Backstory

Ganondorf

What appears to be the dead body of Ganondorf is shown was shown in the first trailer, withered and sealed by a mysterious hand-like object gripping at his chest. When Link and Zelda enter the chamber where he is held, Ganondorf awakens and seemingly breaks free.

Ganondorf's returns in his Gerudo form and is shown in the final trailer. It is also shown what looks to be Ganondorf absorbing the Master Sword while Link is holding it, thus causing him in losing his right arm as shown in the previous trailers.

Ganondorf's Profile and Backstory

Sidon

Sidon is the prince of Zora's Domain and the younger brother of the previous champion, Mipha. Prince Sidon is seen accompanying Link and the other champion successors in defeating enemies.

It is assumed that Sidon is no longer a prince, but has succeeded in taking the role of his father, King Dorephan, as the new king of Zora's Domain as we see him wearing a crown that looks similar to the crown that the previous king wore.

Sidon Profile and Backstory

Riju

Lady Riju is the successor of the previous champion, Urbosa, and the Chief of Gerudo. She is seen dual-wielding the Scimitar of the Seven in both hands, the weapon Urbosa wielded. She can be seen dancing while calling forth lightning, which tells us that she retains Urbosa's affinity for lightning.

Riju Profile and Backstory

Tulin

Tulin is the son of Teba, a warrior of the Rito Village and the successor of Revali, though it looks like Tulin became the successor instead as we see him accompanying Link in the sky, as well as joining the other champion successors in a fight against evil.

Tulin Profile and Backstory

Yunobo

Yunobo is the successor of the Goron champion, Daruk. He returns in Tears of the Kingdom as the President of the YunoboCo after digging up marbled rock roasts in the Goron mines.

Yunobo Profile and Backstory

Impa

Impa is the former chief of the Sheikah tribe in Kakariko Village. She retired from her duties to investigate Princess Zelda's disappearance and uncover the secrets of the geoglyphs scattered throughout Hyrule.

Paya

Paya is Impa's granddaughter and the new chief of the Sheikah tribe. She enlists Link's help to investigate the mysterious Ring Ruins in Kakariko Village.

Paya Profile and Backstory

Teba

Teba is a Rito Warrior and Tulin's father. He succeeds Kaneli as the new village elder of the Rito Village.

Teba Profile and Backstory

Buliara

Buliara is Riju's personal bodyguard and the Gerudo captain of the guard. Although described as the best spear master in Gerudo Town, Buliara carries an imposing Golden Claymore.

Buliara Profile and Backstory

Master Kohga

Master Kohga is the head of the Yiga Clan, an organization that holds a grudge against Hyrule. He was originally thought to have been killed by Link after he fell into a pit during the events of Breath of the Wild. He comes back from the depths to challenge Link again in a boss fight.

How to Beat Master Kohga

Beedle

Beedle is a travelling merchant and can be seen in near stables all around Hyrule selling different ingredients for cooking as well as different arrow types in Breath of the Wild.

Beedle returns once again in the new game and is very much ready to sell what might be different ingredients and materials for Link to take advantage of, fusing them to his weapons that will help in his adventure and achieve peace across Hyrule!

Koroks

The Koroks make a return in Tears of the Kingdom and is shown that some carry backpacks. It is still unknown if their purpose of giving Korok Seeds to increase Link's inventory capacity is the same in the Breath of the Wild, or will they have a different role in the new game.

Korok Seeds Map

New Characters

Rauru

Rauru is a Zonai and the source of Link's right arm. He guides Link to traverse around the Great Sky Island to recover his health and learn his new abilities.

Rauru Profile and Backstory

Josha

Josha is a young scientist who works closely with Purah to learn more about the disappearance of Princess Zelda. She also is the Head of the Depths Research Team and spends most of her time studying artifacts retrieved from the Depths.

Josha Profile and Backstory

Yona

Yona is the childhood friend and the fiancée of Sidon. She dedicates her time to helping Sidon with his duties while serving the citizens of Zora's Domain at the same time.

Yona Profile and Backstory

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Related Guides

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Walkthrough Top Page

Main Links
Main Quests	Tips and Tricks
Side Adventures	Side Quests
Maps	Towers
Shrines	Temples and Dungeons
Caves	Wells
Stables	Armor
Weapons and Equipment	Items
Cooking	Bosses
Enemies	Abilities
Schematics	Characters
News	Message Boards