Welcome to the character guide for The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap! Released for the Game Boy Advance, this charming entry in the series introduces us to the microscsopic world of the Minish (also known as Picori) and features a unique cast of characters, both big and small. Join Link and his grumpy-but-wise companion Ezlo as they journey across Hyrule to thwart the evil sorcerer Vaati.
Main Characters
These characters are central to the story and gameplay of The Minish Cap.
Link
Role: Protagonist
The young hero of Hyrule, easily recognizable by his green tunic (though he starts in simpler clothes). In this installment, Link is a childhood friend of Princess Zelda and the grandson of Smith, the royal swordsmith. He is chosen by the King to seek out the elusive Minish after disaster strikes during the Picori Festival. Courageous and determined, Link embarks on a quest to reforge the sacred Picori Blade and rescue Zelda. His unique ability in this game, granted by Ezlo, is to shrink down to the size of the Minish, allowing him to explore hidden areas and interact with the tiny race.
Ezlo
Role: Link’s Companion / The Minish Cap
Ezlo is a sarcastic, somewhat arrogant, but ultimately wise Minish sage who was cursed into the form of a green, bird-like cap by his former apprentice, Vaati. He becomes Link’s constant companion, riding atop his head and providing guidance, commentary (often complaining), and the crucial ability to shrink Link using special portals. Ezlo’s knowledge of the Minish world is invaluable, and his personal quest to regain his true form and stop Vaati aligns closely with Link’s own journey. Despite his cranky exterior, he develops a genuine bond with Link.
Princess Zelda
Role: Princess of Hyrule / Link’s Friend / Damsel in Distress
The kind and adventurous Princess of Hyrule and a close childhood friend of Link. Zelda invites Link to the Picori Festival early in the game. During the festival’s award ceremony, the antagonist Vaati appears, shattering the Picori Blade and turning Zelda to stone in his search for the Light Force. Saving Zelda becomes one of Link’s primary motivations throughout the adventure. Her connection to the Light Force is significant to the game’s lore.
Vaati
Role: Main Antagonist
A powerful and malevolent sorcerer seeking the legendary Light Force, believed to reside within the royal family of Hyrule. Vaati was once a Minish apprentice fascinated by the evil in the hearts of humans. He stole his master Ezlo’s magical cap, granting him immense power and cursing Ezlo in the process. Vaati’s actions – breaking the Picori Blade, petrifying Zelda, and unleashing monsters upon Hyrule – drive the game’s conflict. He serves as the final boss, transforming into monstrous forms using the power he attains.
Supporting Characters
These characters play significant roles in Link’s quest and the world of Hyrule.
King Daltus
Role: King of Hyrule / Zelda’s Father
The benevolent ruler of Hyrule. Deeply concerned after Zelda is turned to stone and the Picori Blade is shattered, King Daltus tasks Link with the seemingly impossible mission of finding the Minish and seeking their aid, setting the main adventure in motion.
The Minish (Picori)
Role: Secretive Tiny Race / Helpers
Known to humans as the legendary Picori, the Minish are a race of tiny, elf-like beings visible only to well-behaved children. They live hidden from the human world in forests, mountains, and even within Hyrule Town. They are the creators of the Picori Blade and the Light Force. Link interacts with various Minish communities throughout his quest:
- Forest Minish: Live in Minish Woods, recognizable by their green, leafy attire. Their elder is Festari.
- Town Minish: Reside secretly within Hyrule Town’s buildings, helping humans in unseen ways. Their elder is Gentari.
- Mountain Minish: Skilled miners and blacksmiths living on Mt. Crenel. Their chief smith, Melari, plays a crucial role in reforging the Picori Blade.
Smith
Role: Link’s Grandfather / Royal Swordsmith
Link’s grandfather and Hyrule’s master swordsmith. He gifts Link his first sword and shield and entrusts him with delivering a sword to Hyrule Castle for the Picori Festival ceremony, kicking off Link’s involvement. He represents Link’s connection to the traditions of Hyrule and its protectors.
Tingle (and brothers Ankle, Knuckle, David Jr.)
Role: Eccentric Map-Maker / Kinstone Fusion Expert
The recurring, bizarre, fairy-obsessed character Tingle appears alongside his identically dressed brothers. In The Minish Cap, Tingle plays a major role in the Kinstone Fusion sidequest. Fusing Kinstone pieces (matching fragments of medallions) with Tingle and numerous other characters across Hyrule reveals secrets, opens passages, and yields rewards, adding significant optional content to the game.
Other Notable Residents of Hyrule
Mayor Hagen
The mayor of Hyrule Town, known for his mask collection.
Mutoh
The boss of the carpenters building houses in the town.
Eenie and Meenie
Farmers tending crops in the Eastern Hills.
Syrup
A witch living in the Minish Woods who sells potions.
Great Fairies
Found in various locations, they offer upgrades like larger wallets or bomb bags.
Rem
A shoemaker in Hyrule Town known for falling asleep on the job, but capable of making special footwear.
Dr. Left
A researcher found in the Town Library, obsessed with studying the Picori.
Gorman
A shady character who wants to rent out Link’s house.
Percy
A poet living by Lake Hylia.
The world of The Minish Cap is brought to life by this diverse and often humorous cast. From the microscopic Minish to the stalwart Hyrulean guards, each character adds a layer of charm to Link’s grand adventure!