The Enchanting World of Zelda: An Actor's Journey

Patricia Summersett, a seasoned actress and performer with extensive experience in voice acting, has lent her voice to several well-known games. Her recent work includes reprising the iconic role of Princess Zelda in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and voicing Ash, one of Rainbow Six: Siege's Operators, in addition to various characters in Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series. In a recent interview with Game Rant, Summersett shared her insights on portraying one of the most renowned names in gaming history, her take on the dynamic between Link and Zelda, and her thoughts on voice acting in both Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and the gaming industry as a whole. The interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

Approaching a character like Zelda, with such a long-standing legacy, requires a delicate balance of honoring the past iterations while also bringing something new to the table. As an actor, I did look to older games for inspiration, but I also wanted to bring my own interpretation to the role. It was important to me to capture the essence of who Zelda is, while also infusing my own personality into the character.

In preparation for portraying a character, I conduct extensive research. For this particular character, I initially had to discover who it was as I was unaware during the audition process. Once I learned the character's identity, I delved into their appearances in Twilight Princess and Ocarina of Time by watching gameplay footage online and consulting the Hyrule Historia. While these sources provided a foundation for my portrayal, ultimately, I had to rely on the script to accurately bring the character to life. The past cannot be replicated in the present.

A: As for the script, I was given some creative freedom, but there were also specific instructions that needed to be followed. When I was cast, it was because my qualities matched what they were looking for in the character. However, the team working on the project had a clear vision in mind, and it was my responsibility to bring that vision to life through my acting.

When bringing something to life, there is always room for creative expression. However, in the case of dubbing, there are technical aspects to consider. The script is also highly structured and has been carefully crafted by multiple individuals.

Zelda's voice is defined by a higher register and energy level than my normal voice. It has a light and melodic quality that embodies her brainy and enthusiastic personality, while also expressing her caring nature. She has a big heart.

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When working on those parts, I believe I captured some of her core essence. It's interesting to consider this from a vocal standpoint, as there are indeed technical vocal choices, but it's equally important to understand what motivates her and how she responds to different situations. This requires an active, character-driven approach to the performance, rather than purely technical execution.

Did you encounter any specific lines or emotions that posed a particular challenge in terms of delivery or expression?

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For me, playing a new character and exploring the range of emotions they experience is always a challenge. As the games have evolved, I have had more time to understand the character, which has helped me evolve in my knowledge of their world. Personally, I am not afraid of complex or nuanced characters, even those with darker themes. So, portraying a more emotional Zelda wouldn't be more difficult for me, as long as I can understand why it's necessary and justify that part of it as an actor.

The representation of Zelda's voice is a collaborative effort between myself and multiple creative teams. While I share in the desire to accurately portray her character, I also recognize that she is just a symbol and not a reflection of myself. As someone who portrays a variety of characters from different franchises, I approach the role with a balanced perspective and understanding of my limitations.

Q: Since you perform opposite of Link, who’s a silent protagonist, has that presented any unique challenges as opposed to characters who talk back?

In video games, we often respond to characters based on imagination or scripted lines. While motion capture can be an exception, it is still a challenge to bring out the character's expressions. Personally, I find it no more challenging than other roles I've played. However, playing opposite someone who gives unexpected or unrealistic reactions can be tricky. It's a common experience for actors, and I strive to avoid causing that frustration for my fellow cast members.

Content: As an actor, one encounters several tricky moments throughout their career, especially when performing on stage or in animation, where improvisation is involved. You have the script in hand, cues to rely on, and a certain rhythm to follow, but at times, your co-star may not deliver what you expect, which can either be thrilling or disastrous.

As a professional actor, being able to adapt and run with a moment is crucial. Transitions are a vital aspect of the job. Regarding Link and Zelda's relationship, it has a long and complex history that can be both romantic and familial. How do you view their relationship as a whole?

Did you catch the Twitter explosion today about me having to clarify a statement that was inaccurately quoted in the media? The headlines made it seem like I said something that was completely out of line with what I actually meant.

Let me tread carefully here, as that's exactly what this is about. The nature of the relationship between these characters is intentionally ambiguous, allowing viewers to interpret it in their own unique way. Everyone comes to the series with their own motivations and reasons for watching. Personally, I appreciate the mysterious nature of it all. It keeps things exciting and engaging.

It's intriguing to see how the characters' relationship dynamic unfolds without being explicitly told by the game. It adds an element of player agency and allows for personalized interpretation.

Q: What’s your process like for stepping into a voice role? Do you immerse yourself in the character, or do you have any interesting practice techniques you like to employ?

The nature of the voice role plays a significant role in determining the level of physicality required, the size of the character arc, and the number of characters to be voiced in a booth. However, regardless of the role, acting remains the core aspect of voice acting. With a background in theater, live-action, and diverse creative pursuits like writing and music, I am always intrigued by the factors that drive a character.

When working in the booth, an actor's voice is often the primary tool used to convey the story. This can sometimes require extreme changes in vocal tone or accent, making it crucial to do physical warm-ups beforehand. To ensure that my vocal cords stay hydrated, I recently invested in a steamer that I use in the mornings and evenings. In addition to vocal exercises, I also engage in imagination warm-ups to prepare for any acting work.

A: One of the ways I warm up my imagination is by picturing different scenarios in my head, almost like walking around with one foot in my own world and one foot in a character's world. I've even accidentally locked myself out of my house before because I was so engrossed in this exercise. Other warm-up techniques I use include freeform thought and spontaneous movement, like rolling around on the floor, almost like a child at play. These warm-ups vary depending on the situation, and sometimes they're just to help calm my nerves.

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Preparing yourself before entering the booth is crucial. It's important to find a way to get yourself in the right mindset, whether it's through drinking a pot of coffee, taking a nap, going for a run, or engaging in some unconventional activities that may be considered artsy or eccentric. This helps to rid yourself of the physical and mental limitations that society places on you.

A: While I don't believe that all characters are created equal, I do find aspects of each one that I can connect with on some level. Spending a considerable amount of time with Ash from Rainbow Six Siege has allowed me to explore and empathize with her character through multiple iterations over the years. However, it's important to note that despite any similarities, we are quite different in real life - she's a total tank!

Many individuals are able to relate to and develop a fondness for Zelda. Although it can be challenging to understand the motives of villainous characters, it is crucial to comprehend their reasoning and exhibit empathy towards their actions. As the voice of Zelda in Breath of the Wild and Hyrule Warriors, did you maintain a consistent approach in Tears of the Kingdom?

The key to maintaining the character's authenticity lies in striking a balance between consistency and staying true to their original impulses from Breath of the Wild, according to Summersett. While the new scenarios and scripted dialogue add a fresh twist to the character, the overall feel is still an expansion of the same persona. The end result is a perfect blend of old and new that will keep fans of the series thoroughly engaged.

As I continue to age, I find myself withdrawing from online interactions due to the overwhelming nature of social media. The feedback tends to be amplified and does not accurately reflect the general public's opinion. However, attending events like Comic-Cons has provided me with the opportunity to meet fans who are genuinely excited about the game and eager to share their thoughts with me.

Initially, I struggled with the sudden surge of attention I received for a single role, but I have since learned to take it all with a grain of salt. I now comprehend the workings of internet algorithms and how they affect my reputation, whether positively or negatively. Despite the challenges, I am grateful to be part of a game loved by many, and the positive feedback from fans never fails to bring me joy.

Q: Do you look to other voice talent for inspiration? Are there any other actors or actresses you’re particularly fond of?

There are countless voice actors who possess immense talent and versatility, making it difficult to single out just a few. However, some names that come to mind instantly are Jennifer Hale, Laura Bailey, Kari Wahlgren, Cree Summer, Steve Blum, Roger Craig Smith, Eric Bauza, and Dee Bradley Baker. It's tough to answer this question without feeling like some deserving individuals may be left out. Additionally, I must mention my friend Ulka Simone Mohanty, who may currently have a lower public profile but possesses incredible range and potential.

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In my current Pcap project, I am part of a group of talented storytellers. This experience has made me realize the importance of being vigilant and stepping up my game to excel in this room of creative minds.

What do you find interesting about voice acting that people may not be aware of?

The importance of voice acting often goes unnoticed as it requires a certain level of understanding to appreciate. Despite this, I firmly believe that those who are truly interested in the craft will take the time to learn about it. However, it's vital to remember that voice acting is still acting and should be treated as such. This is a lesson that I have learned repeatedly throughout my 20-year career, as it's easy to become complacent and rely on natural talent. It takes effort to make informed dramatic decisions, but it's necessary to deliver a truly outstanding performance.

Content: The advancements in AI are bringing about significant changes in the field of voice acting and character creation. The current definition of these jobs is being redefined, and efforts are being made to establish a new template to safeguard our work and the intellectual properties we contribute to. As for the future implications of AI for voice actors, it remains to be seen whether or not it will pose any significant challenges.

It's undeniable that social media has become an integral part of our lives. The challenge now is to find ways to regulate and manage it, while ensuring that our interactions remain as authentic and human as possible. Despite its benefits, the impact of social media is a cause for concern.

Content: For aspiring voice actors, it is important to remember that voice acting is a form of acting. Therefore, it is crucial to receive proper acting training and gain experience in the field. While there are numerous resources available, it can be overwhelming to navigate them all. Seeking guidance and direction can help in finding the right resources and opportunities.

Building a successful career requires time, effort, and dedication. It's a continuous process of crafting, refining, and perfecting your work while developing a keen sense of what constitutes quality. Finding joy in the journey will not only accelerate your progress but also breathe life into your work. While setbacks and disappointments may be frequent, don't let them discourage you. Despite any deviations from your original plan, keep pushing forward and you will eventually reach your destination.

Don't push yourself too much while working hard. It's a valuable lesson I wish I could have told myself earlier, as it only results in draining your energy. Currently, I find the podcast Morning VO with Carin Gilfry and Jamie Muffet, and the book The Art and Business of Acting for Video Games by Julia Bianco Shoeffling, extremely helpful as they offer practical advice and are up-to-date with the latest trends.

Q: Do you have anything you’d like to share before we wrap up?

Summersett: I'm working on things, but they're all NDA.

Result: Yes, I do vocals for my band Summersett. Despite the attention on other aspects of my career, being a musician is one of the most satisfying parts of my life. I find creating my own music to be incredibly fulfilling. Summersett was actually named long before the recent surge in attention, and we're an indie folk band based in Montreal.

In Summersett's band, she takes on the role of co-writer and vocalist, while her co-founder, a pianist, handles orchestration. Together, they collaborate on lyrics, melody, and song structure before passing it off to the rest of their band, which includes bass and drums. Additionally, their band features two other actor/singers who have worked extensively in video games and live-action performances. Summersett and her bandmates enjoy harmonizing together and incorporating violin and cello into their sound, creating a unique Montreal "actor band."

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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available on Nintendo Switch.