Giving Link more depth without changing him at all...

In the eternal argument of "should Link speak?" I am strongly on the side of keeping him a mute. Link is, and always should be, a clean-cut selfless hero. If he talked, if he was giving more character (like what...angst?) it would help diminish one of the fundamental elements of the franchise- the simple fact that you're a hero on a quest to save the world.

But just because Link remains the way he is, doesn't mean he can't be explored. Or rather, it's perfectly possible to explore what he represents. One of my main wishes for future Zelda titles is to throw Link into an environment that reacts differently to the coming of a hero.
Nintendo should leave Link as he is. There's plenty of ways to add weight to his character (the selfless hero archetype) while keeping him unchanged. How about presenting a villain that echoes him? Maybe a former hero who's fallen from grace for some reason or another and can actually relate to the quest Link is on. Or maybe put Link in a world that doesn't call for a hero, or maybe a nation that is past the stage of believing in the kind of legends that the Zelda series often presents.

What I'm trying to say really is that it's perfectly possible to "add more" to the Zelda series (in terms of themes and narrative) while leaving Link completely unchanged. While keeping things relatively simply. Anyone agree? Disagree? Have any thoughts on the matter?

I also say keep him mute. Other characters can talk in story developing scenes but that's all. Like Super Mario Sunshine.

Well... there are ways Nintendo could add some needed depth to Link. Perhaps give him a longer back story than...

-LoZ no backstory on Link
-AoL boy with strange mark on his hand
-ALttP boy who lived with his uncle
-LA boy who slayed Ganon
-OoS/OoA boy who checks on trifoce
-OoT boy without a fairy
-MM boy looking for fairy
-FS, FSA, TMC boy who knows Princess
-TWW boy who wants to save sister
-TP boy who lives in a village, likes kids, and a supposed romance with Ilia

TP did have a better back story for Link but, in truth, it was just boy who lives in village. If you ask me, Link needs a backstory longer than a line (even a line would be nice).

Also, as for Link's character, MM, WW, and TP had more expressive Links. Nintendo just needs to take it to the next level, without taking it too far.

Link doesn't have to change, he just needs a story.

How many times do I have to tell you, Link isn't mute, the game just doesn't show him talking. There are many times that people show that he is speaking.
Now, it should be vary, very clear. I ,made the font wierd so you won't miss it.

Miss what?

Just kidding. Also I think they realise hes not actualy mute and that the game just doesnt show him talking.

I would love to have a Zelda game with more depth in the background of Link. TP did the best with this in my opinion. It showed he had a good relationship among the villagers. hes a great rancher, is great friends with Rusl, Kids look up to him, and probably my best part is the possible romance between Illia and Link. Something other than Link and Zelda.

Anyways I would love a zelda game with Link having more character and background.

Yeah, I think Link as he is, is fine. However I would like the next game to revolve more around him and his troubles with the world. Maybe there should be more of a back story to him and a more personal quest. For me Link should stay the same but the game should go further into the character and just explore Links world.

I don't know... a different land probably wouldn't develop him much if he didn't talk... it would just react differently. But I do think he should stay mute, and I think that the first half of TP did very well there. The only problem was that for most of the second half or so he fell back into a mindless, OOT-like character up until the very end. Even then, he spent a lot of time just sitting around and watching Midna and Ganondorf talk.

I don't know... a different land probably wouldn't develop him much if he didn't talk... it would just react differently. But I do think he should stay mute, and I think that the first half of TP did very well there. The only problem was that for most of the second half or so he fell back into a mindless, OOT-like character up until the very end. Even then, he spent a lot of time just sitting around and watching Midna and Ganondorf talk.

Edit: Sorry for the double post.

Originally Posted by ShiekahSage

How many times do I have to tell you, Link isn't mute, the game just doesn't show him talking. There are many times that people show that he is speaking.
Now, it should be vary, very clear. I ,made the font wierd so you won't miss it.

Just to clarify...I am well aware of this fact. Sorry if I gave out the impression that I wasn't.