I’m just going to say it: Falco Lombardi wishes he was as cool as Quill.
The Wind Waker is home to many beloved and memorable characters, including the sassy Tetra, the loving Granny, and of course the heroic Link. But the character who I’ve always thought was one of the most interesting and unique — and who I would love to see return in future games — is the dauntless postman and member of the Rito tribe, Quill.
Quill is introduced early on in The Wind Waker and actually serves as the first warning sign that peace is about to be ruined for Link, his family, and his home island. Peering through a telescope, Link spots Quill, who looks up from his delivery duties to see something in the sky that utterly shocks him. That shocking thing is the Helmaroc King
Moments after the inevitable abduction, Link confronts Tetra and her band of pirates (the real reasons why the Helmaroc King visited Outset Island) to insist they let him come with them in search of his sister. They try to refuse him but are countered and reprimanded by Quill, who makes his surprise appearance to defend Link and his request.
This was the point when I knew this character was cooler than the other side of the pillow. Quill quickly made me forget about his bewilderment at the sight of the Helmaroc King by means of his confidence and integrity. The pirates in The Wind Waker were not exactly ruthless monsters, but Tetra and her gang were honestly dangerous enough to warrant staying clear of. Quill, being the poster child of honor that he is, didn’t care.
He scolds Tetra and even points out that their coming close to Outset Island resulted in the bird mistaking Aryll for her. Tetra yields to Quill’s point and allows Link to join her. Quill’s dutiful, blunt, and honest nature helps Link begin his quest to save his sister, and eventually, the entire world, but all he is trying to do is point out what was right. He’s what you get when you mix the noble warrior personality with a government employee, and it works incredibly well.
Quill’s praise of Link, which is basically praise of me, is always impressive. Yes, that’s conceited to say.
Link meets Quill again multiple times throughout the game, such as when Link first arrives on Dragon Roost Island and Quill vouches for Link’s bravery to the chieftain. Quill also relays information about Lord Jabun and the threat of the pirates, and of course, he and Prince Komali later rescue Link and Zelda from Ganondorf’s grasp. In each interaction, Quill stays true to his character and does whatever he can to help Link.
I’ve already made it clear, but while his aid is one thing, it’s Quill’s attitude throughout the game that truly makes him so endearing and a personal favorite character of mine. He can almost be seen as a type of role model for Link. He is one of the first characters Link meets, and his empathy and resolve set the bar for how a good person should act. This is cool because cool Quill actually helps Link become even cooler himself. I’ve said “cool” way too many times, but it works so well.
Quill is quite a remarkable Rito. He’s loyal, brave, confident, and honest to a fault. He’s a prime example of the kindness that thrives in the inhabitants of the Great Sea and is a valuable friend to Link when he needs one the most.
