Summary

• Paya's transformation from a shy assistant to a leader showcases character growth and endearing traits.
• Her potential recurrence in future Zelda games offers opportunities for deeper lore and narrative development.
• Paya's ties to the Sheikah tribe, Hyrule's history, and her evolving role make her a prime candidate for series mainstay.

There have been many unique and peculiar characters recurring throughout The Legend of Zelda's lifespan, with Beedle and Dampe being two of the most notable. Beedle, who first appeared in 2002's The Wind Waker, has become a staple of the franchise, appearing in multiple installments thereafter as a traveling merchant with a distinct, charming, and often comedic personality. Dampe, on the other hand, has most often been depicted as a dark, eerie, and yet friendly individual who is generally depicted as a gravekeeper — though more recent installments have given him other roles. Now, Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its successor, Tears of the Kingdom, have introduced a character that would arguably be a perfect fit for the Beedle/Dampe recurring character treatment.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has plenty of standout characters, but Paya is among those who stands out the most. While she first appeared in Breath of the Wild, she played more of a background role, serving only as Impa's assistant in Kakariko Village. In Tears of the Kingdom, however, Impa has retired, leaving Paya in charge. This shift in role for Paya also shows a dramatic shift in her character, from a passive assistant to an active decision-maker. Her subtle affection for Link in Tears of the Kingdom, her knowledge of Hyrule and Sheikah lore, and her bubbly, endearing personality all make a strong case for her to return in a future Zelda game.

Why Tears of the Kingdom's Paya Should Become a Recurring Character

Paya's Endearing Personality and Subtle Affection for Link Make Her a Memorable Character

Like a few other characters in Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Paya has a very endearing personality, and her subtle affection for Link in BotW only intensifies that. While her interactions with Link are more professional in Tears of the Kingdom, she is shown blushing, stammering, and fidgeting when speaking with him in Breath of the Wild, which ultimately stems from her respect for him as a hero. It is even implied in her diary that she feels flustered around Link, and she grows embarrassed when Impa teases her about spending time with him.

Having risen to a leadership position in Tears of the Kingdom, any feelings she might have had for Link have possibly taken a backseat to her responsibilities, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are gone. Nevertheless, this is all a major part of what plays into her growth from shy, apprehensive assistant to capable leader. If she were to appear in future Zelda games, perhaps whatever she felt for Link in Breath of the Wild (and what she may still feel) could be developed even more.

Paya's Recurrence Would Allow for Further Character Development and Deeper Sheikah/Hyrule Lore

Perhaps more than anything else, Paya's transformation between Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom shows massive potential for her character to be even further fleshed out in a future installment. While the Breath of the Wild era is officially over, Paya could still appear in future games as the leader of Kakariko Village instead of Impa. Not only would that show the series' willingness to grow beyond the generational borders it has established in the past, it would also allow more opportunities for Paya's character to be developed, just as other recurring Zelda side characters like Beedle and Dampe have.

Like a few other characters in Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Paya has a very endearing personality, and her subtle affection for Link in BotW only intensifies that.

Paya has also proven her extensive knowledge of Sheikah and Hyrule lore, and her inclusion in future Zelda games could expand on that lore even more. As a member of the Sheikah tribe and the granddaughter of Impa, Paya is inherently linked to Hyrule's history and the royal family. As such, her lineage and role offer opportunities to explore deeper narratives related to the Sheikah and their relationship with Hyrule's protectors. This could also factor into the gameplay for future installments, with Paya perhaps providing ancient Sheikah knowledge, artifacts, or guidance to Link or whoever the protagonist may be.

Paya's journey from timid assistant to confident leader is evidence of The Legend of Zelda's ability to develop characters beyond their initial roles. Just as Beedle and Dampe have become series mainstays, Paya's depth, endearing personality, and connection to Hyrule’s history make her a prime candidate for the same treatment. Whether she continues to lead Kakariko Village or takes on a more significant role in Hyrule's evolving story, her return would be a natural evolution for a character who has already proven her worth.