Wilder, Zelos

Seiyuu / Dub

Dawn-Claude, René· Japanese

Onosaka, Masaya· Japanese

Summary

Originating from Meltokio, Zelos is a twenty-two-year-old Chosen One from Tethe'alla who stands five-foot-ten and weighs one hundred and fifty pounds. During the events of Tales of Symphonia, he wields swords and daggers, though he ages to twenty-four in Dawn of the New World. He serves as the group’s comic relief, rarely taking things seriously and always attempting to lighten the mood during heavy-hearted moments. Zelos is a charismatic ladies' man capable of charming every woman he meets, often receiving gifts from them as a result. This flirtatious nature allows him to earn titles such as Gigolo for interacting with all female characters, or Casanova for partying with three women at once. His handsome appearance drives him to approach situations with the hope of impressing nearby pretty girls, leading him to constantly hit on his female teammates, much to their annoyance, particularly due to the nicknames he assigns them. He also has a strained relationship with Genis, whom he dismissively considers a brat. Beneath his frivolous exterior, Zelos is surprisingly perceptive and sensitive. Following Corrine’s sacrifice to save Sheena at the Temple of Lightning, Sheena falls into a deep depression. In an optional Z-Skit, the party chastises Zelos for maintaining his lighthearted demeanor as if Corrine had not just died. Once the others leave, Zelos explains internally that he acts this way because seeing the party visibly upset only deepens Sheena’s sorrow; he believes the only way for her to move on is for everyone else to do so first. Zelos shares significant similarities with Colette, as both characters bottle up their worries and insecurities behind cheerful personas to avoid confronting their party members about their problems. This habit forces them to suffer alone, ultimately causing their companions to feel guilty for failing to notice their distress sooner.