Who is Link to you?, Define Link. The man himself.

What I MEAN is-define Link's characteristics. Say what you think Link is made of. Say his attributes, his build, character, personality, speech, that kinda stuff. Tell us what you think.

Here's the wikipedia topic:

Characteristics

According to the official Zelda.com Encyclopedia, Link is "humble", but also possesses legendary bravery, an attribute consistent with his role as the rightful bearer of the Triforce of Courage. The character is known in later Zelda games as The Hero of Time in his Ocarina of Time/Majora's Mask incarnation and as The Hero of Winds in The Wind Waker, as his heroic example has saved countless lives from evil.[15] In the video games he is presented as being a stoic and polite young man, and in the television series as a whiny and love sick teenager. In Twilight Princess his social status is explored early in the game. Rather than being the most popular kid in his hometown, Link is instead portrayed as a regular kid.

He is the rightful bearer of the Master Sword, a powerful and magical sword he wields to defeat the forces of evil. Link does show rare moments of overzealous boldness, such as when he twice attempts to confront Ganon in The Wind Waker ill equipped to defeat him. Also, he inadvertently helped Ganon find the Triforce in Ocarina of Time, forcing Link to undo the damage he had caused.[15] Although Zelda games feature more interaction with friendly or neutral non-player characters (NPCs) than some adventure games, such as the Metroid series, these characters rarely take an active part in Link’s quest which he completes alone. Link is shown to have several family members, such as an uncle in A Link to the Past, an unseen mother in Ocarina of Time who died fleeing the ravages of war, a grandmother in The Wind Waker who raises him in his parents unexplained absence, a grandfather from Minish Cap, and the most developed of Link's relatives, his sister Aryll who plays a critical role in the plot of The Wind Waker. He also has several friends, such as the pirate captain Tetra from The Wind Waker, Kafei from Majora's Mask, and the fairy Navi from Ocarina of Time. He also has a utilitarian relationship with Midna from Twilight Princess, though the two grow to become friends as time goes on.[16] His mother and father also appear as spirits in the Link to the Past manga.[17]

Link appears as a young Hylian boy, the equivalent to human in The Legend of Zelda mythos. He is renowned for his fighting skill, such as his incredible boomerang accuracy.[18] It is unlikely that his age ever exceeds 19 years at any point in the series, though apparently, in most games he is closer to the age of 7 to 12.[2] Every Link wears a green tunic, an undershirt (usually white, brown, or green), and a long, floppy green cap, at least for part of each adventure (usually for the vast majority), although the shades of green vary. It is also a common sight to see him wearing light-colored tights (usually white or tan), although he has appeared barelegged in other games. Link’s hair color is usually a dark blond but was originally a brown colour. Link has long pointed ears resembling some conceptions of elves. These are apparently a distinctive trait of the Hylian race (and their descendants), which supposedly allows them to hear messages from the gods. Older Links usually wear small blue hoop earrings, as is the Hylian fashion. However, in episode 4 of the Adult Saga in the official Ocarina of Time manga series, "Link Vs. Link", Impa is seen giving a Link his earrings, describing it as a "rite of passage for young Sheikah men".[19] He also bears a Triforce mark on his left hand, marking him as the one who will find the Triforce of Courage.[20] He is also well known for making use of a variety of weapons and items, such as bombs, hookshot, boomerang, bow and arrow and Pegasus boots that make him run extremely fast. He also is extremely agile, being able to perform quick jumps and flips, and very skilled, knowing how to perform magic and play an ocarina. When he transforms into an animal in the twilight realm in Twilight Princess, he becomes a wolf, reflecting the mystical aspects of the transformation and his heroism.[16]

Canonically, Link is left-handed, although this detail has changed over time, with his sword hand being different between games. The Adventure of Link instruction booklet describes Link setting off “with a magical sword in his left hand and a magical shield in his right”.[20] In the Super Nintendo release, he alternates hands, but this is due to sprite mirroring. Starting with The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Link holds his sword in his left hand and his shield in his right, no matter what direction he is facing. This occurs in the left and right-looking sprites. In The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, however, Link returns to alternately holding his weapon in the right or the left hand, depending on his orientation. At the beginning of the Four Swords Plus (Four Swords Adventures) manga, Link is referred to as the “left-handed hero” after defeating pirates that were raiding a Hylian town. In addition, Link's figurine description in Wind Waker lists his "manual preference" as left. However, in the animated TV series, Link is right-handed. In the Wii version of Twilight Princess, Link is right-handed, but this was done to better fit the game's control scheme. Because of this, the maps in the Wii version have also been mirrored. However, in the game's official artwork he is shown holding his sword in his left hand. In the GameCube version Link remains left-handed, since the game keeps a normal control scheme.

There you go. Gimem some ideas! Let 'em rip!

To describe Link's personality in one sentence is nearly impossible. In the beginning of "Ocarina of Time," he was (to me) shown as an outcast in the Kokiri Forest. He was the only one without a fairy, which would have made him stand out. Do I think Link was friendless? No, certainly not. He had Saria as his lifelong friend (and possibly as a mother and sister figure), and I'm sure they're were other Kokiri that were his friends. But the bottom line is that Link was different from the Kokiri, and I'm sure he realized that.

Then Link woke up one morning (after having a nightmare) to find that a blue fairy named Navi was sent by the Great Deku Tree to be his partner from now on. Soon, Link was drawn into a quest to save the land of Hyrule, and through that, he discovered his true nationality and his destiny as the Hero of Time.

What I can say is that Link is a caring character that would do anything to save his country. I would even go as far as to say that he's an optimist, seeing as how he's never dark or depressed.

As for Link's dialogue, while it's true that Link doesn't have any dialogue, he obviously has stuff to say. Throughout the game, Link would be conversing with someone, and that person would talk as though Link had said something. An example would when Link talks to the bean seller while wearing the Spooky Mask. From the dialogue of the bean seller, it sounds like he's arguing with Link about whether or not the Spooky Mask was made from a coffin.

Miyamoto said that the reason Link never talks is because if he did, he'd be putting words into the player's mouth. Miyamoto wanted the player to have the sense that he/she is truly Link while playing the game. (That would also mean that it's up to the player to decide if Link loves either Zelda or Malon.)

Hmm...I think we have another crazyfreak. Don't worry, that's a good thing!

I mean...wow that was REALLY well-researched! And yeah...

I can't add much...

So C'MON! ALL YOU OTHER GUYYS! GIVE US YOUR OPINIONS!

I'm sure AngelZelda and I (I'm sure about me at least) wanna know your opinion on LINK!

Another what?

Aw, you're too nice. I was writing from the top of my own head.

Yeah, I'm with you! I want to see a discussion going on!

Okay, okay, I'll give it a shot. ^^ Let's see what this pathetic brain can come up with...

I'm not going to strain my mind too much, so let me just start off with what just came to mind:

If Link were sitting in one of my classes as a fellow class-mate, he would most definitely be one of the quieter, mindful kids that gets their work done. Link seems to approach everything with a great deal of care no matter how ridiculous or small the tasks are. (Like gathering the cuccos for the lady at Kakariko Village.) Since Link is constantly saving Hyrule in his multiple incarnations, I imagine he rarely thinks about himself. Someone else is always on his mind--especially in Ocarina of Time *coughZeldacough*.

Not only is he strong physically (the guy can lift a boulder ten times his size, for crying out loud!), but he's strong emotionally. No matter what happens to him, he keeps going. Even though he was rejected by Mido in Kokiri forest, he still mad an effort to be accepted. In A Link to the Past, when Zelda disappeared, he didn't fall to his knees and give up, instead he charged straight forward. In Ocarina of Time when Zelda got captured in the crystal after seven years in an almost hopless situation, he still charged forward even though it may have been a trap with the way Ganondorf worded it. (It kind of was if you think about it...) And after having grown up with no parents, you'd think he would have a tremendous amount of sorrow--if he does, then he hides it really well. What impression that leaves on me as to why he does that is because he doesn't want to draw attention to himself. He's also incredibly forgiving, too. After what all the Skull Kid did to him, he was still able to look him in the face and accept him. The way Link shows how he cares for people shows his inner strength. Definitely a humble man.

Now to answer the question directly... Who is Link to me? Well, I'd say a humble man who is quick to serve and someone who carries a kind and gentle heart. And he isn't afraid to smile!

For a someone that doesn't speak, Link has an incredible amount of precious character. That's why he's my favorite!

Well, before I talk too much, I better stop. ^^;

That was a good post, HyruleMaster!

You really think so? Thanks! ^^

You know what? To put things short and simple... The the REAL Link's personality is the opposite of this Link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpLXo55yfw

Link is just awesome - that's all there is to it

He's hot too

A lot of Link's personality is up to interpretation of the player, I think. But there are some things that can't be denied. He's obviously very kind, judging how he relates to the children and how he is always willing to help others. We can also add noble, selfless, courageous (duh), strong, and clever.

He seems a bit quieter, most likely because he is really a loner. Not that Link doesn't get along well with others, he just doesn't seem to fit in well. In OoT he's shown to have a hard time fitting in with the Kokiri, in MM he's taken off on his own away from Hyrule, and there's a scene in TP after Link has rescued Colin that shows him standing alone while the others leave him there. It's sad, but its part of who he is.

And on a side note, it seems to me at least that Zelda is much the same way. She doesn't fit in either, even as a princess. Perhaps being Triforce bearers sets them apart? *shrugs*

I'd write more, but my brain seems to be a bit dead at the moment.

Even though the developer's have said time and time again that Link is the extension of the player, I think that he has a definite personality. Even though he doesn't really talk (with the exception of "Come on!" in WW), there is worlds of emotion in his eyes particularly in WW, PH, and TP.

First up, Link is not snarky (Well, excUUUUUUSE ME, princess!). There is just no room for divas when it comes to someone who needs to save Hyrule. This same rule goes for Zelda too.

Secondly, Link has to be willing to go through all kinds of battles and injuries for a princess whom he has very little contact with while he is out on his mission. He would go through the same if she was with him, but the point is that he needs to be a man willing to do whatever it takes to help Zelda and save Hyrule.

Thirdly, Link must have the Triforce of Courage on his side. He may not be aware of it, and a big deal may not be made of it (like it was NOT in TP ), but he cannot be Link the Hero of Hyrule if he does not have it.

Not a very insightful post, but hey. It's what I could come up with after Sunday dinner!

^ actually...he doesn't need the ToC. ALTTP Link didn't receive any Triforce till the end of his quest, and LoZ/AoL Link didn't get it till the end as well. And WW...dunno about Oracles..PH Link doesn't have it either. ( just to nitpick! ) I think Link would be brave regardless...it just enhances it.

Anyways..my take on the guy. It depends on the Link..( as I see TP Link as a bit of a departure being more emotionally open and such ) but I consider OoT/MM Link being my "ideal Link"..and I know I will be repeating what others have said.

OoT/MM Link - quiet and serious...reserved as well, and doesn't typically emote much. A good deal of that is because he's the player...but he strikes me as an introvert..as another poster ( I think on here ) said: a guy who says more with his eyes than his words. That's so true...in the scenes where he's with Zelda and such, particularily at the end..he says nothing..but everything as well.
As someone else mentioned..Link was picked on and excluded by Mido..and I think that may have contributed to making him introverted and such. I think Saria ( and later Zelda ) can see through that and make him come out of that shell though.

He's obviously very brave..and selfless. He'll do anything to help someone out, yet when recognized for it, is more likely to go "aww shucks" and be embarassed.

In romance? Contrary to what the games like to show with multiple love interests..I see Link very much as a one-woman man..while someone may be able to momentarily dazzle him or catch him off guard ( Cremia's hug ) it doesn't last because his heart is taken. He loves someone..and doesn't stop when it gets difficult or there's any easier or more attractive option. I also think he has the ability to see someone for who they really are..and love them for it on a deep level. ( Zelda obviously )

WW/PH Link...I see him more as the child version of OoT Link...slightly more extroverted..more of a sense of humour as well. But nonetheless...possesses a solid devotion to his Zelda.

The others? the earlier ones strike me more like OoT/MM Link ( with Marin being Zelda in essence, and Link loving that ) and some of the later as well( FSA, FS, )

TP: I didn't like this Link at all. He was an open book emotionally...seemed to have his attentions wander between different girls...and needed to be prodded by peoples to do his stuff. He struck me as a reluctant hero.

I'm going to have to agree with gliderpilotgirl here on this point, it really depends on which Link. There are traits that all Links share, that being undying courage, a strong desire to help others, a true hatred for Ganondorf to name a few, but each Link is a very different person I think.

For example, I get the feeling that OoT/MM Link is the most mutare, level headed, and rational Link there is. First off, he grows up twice, making him seven years older mentally than anyone that is his physical age. And then there's the fact that he had to grow up very quickly the first time he grew up, and innocence can't be replaced. Finally, unlike many other Links, the OoT/MM Link never recklessly charges at anyone like WW and TP Links do.

On the other hand, WW Link I believe is the most compassionate of all the Links, simply because he grew up with closely related people. He has an ever present concern for his sister, he helps out his sick grandmother, he even tries to save the King of Hyrule after Ganondorf's defeat. One other interesting thing about WW Link is that he never fights anything other than monsters, he never fights an sentinal being other than Ganondorf (Orca doesn't count, that was training). OoT/MM Link has fought Geurdo and TP Link fought Gorons and the shadow beast, which are actually citizens of Twili.

OoT/MM Link: I really see this Link as a regular goofball. Not goofing off at inopportune moments. He knows there is a time for fun and a time for being serious. He has a strong sense of responsibility and I think he takes his status as the chosen hero very seriously. But that doesn't stop him from having fun. He is serious about saving Hyrule, but he's also a human...well Hylian.

TP Link: I think he's more serious. Hardworking and determined to a fault, after all, he was raised on a ranch. He seemed more like a reluctant hero. Not really questioning his bravery. But judging from what Midna said, Link hadn't really thought beyond saving his friends. And so when he was presented with saving all the Twili (and by extension all of Hyrule), I think he wasn't quite sure what to do before he realized how important it was to Midna. Or something like that. It feels like I'm rambling. So I'll stop now.

WW Link: Link is a ten year old child who has no ambition on his little island. He spends most his time playing, until his sister his caught, and yadayadayada. To me, he is just a child, but he grows up (metaphorically) into a man. To me, he shows that one kid can make all the difference in the world.

Oot Link: I find that Link is a bit more heartfelt in this game and he's got more of a personality. He seems more human. He's also more of an idol, since, like what Saami said, he is somewhat a goofball. And, he was kissed by a girl (am I right?), and most guys don't get kissed by girls like that. I mean, I don't know any goofballs who end up saving the world and having quite q bit of romance with a high-class girl.

TP Link: I find that TP Link is the most adorable of them all. Sure, he's eighteen or so, but he makes normal mistakes of a teenager, and he's cute (in a child-like way) when he's been told off by Illia. He seems really serious at many points, but he's also really nice, like to the kids in Ordon Village. I find more of a hero-in-training who succeeds in the end. And he also kinda like a father sometimes (does that make sense???). Sorry, I'm kinda talking non stop. Saami, you're not alone.

WW: Fun loving kid who is also brave and likes to have pirate like adventure.

OOT: A child trapped in a mans body who is sweet, gentle and very very obedient and instinctively craves love and affection. Especially with females since he is an orphan who never had the maternal love of a mother.

TP: A normal but awkwardly shy and soft spoken teenager. Also a submissive doormat but with very noble intentions.

All 3 can handle a sword and shield real well