my little corner

He had always been a direct character, incredibly forward and focused on his work- along with this, he came across as incredibly unsociable and overly serious, only seemingly warming up to the player when he is being actively befriended or romanced, or to Sherry; this type of character is a staple in the Harvest Moon | Story of Seasons series, akin to the likes of Vaughn and Gray, who are both from more popular titles in the series. He is this game's archetypal "tsundere" character, to fit with the cast of guys who represent the following tropes; a mysterious and closed off scholar, a gentle and polite older brother, an energetic and cheerful waiter who wishes to prove his independence and maturity, and an airheaded, sometimes melancholic, artist. It helps that his appearance sells this impression to you well; the clothes make him appear closed off, and he has a darker color scheme in contrast to everyone else's.

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Though, his heart events in the original always seemed to direct to something more underneath the cold exterior; he loved telling stories. He liked having someone who listened to him. He is described as a former world traveler, someone who has settled down on Zephyr Town, but still finds himself seemingly closed off to the community- or at least, he keeps it at an arm's length; he attends festivities after all, and partakes in the weekly bazaar. Though, it seems most of Lloyd's character- and an arc, in that case, is exclusively in his heart events with the player, or the rival events with Sherry.

Like many of the bachelors, only minor changes were made to Lloyd's design to showcase his personality; he maintains the same robes and serious expression, but the shortening of his robes and scarf, and making his hair more visible by changing his headgear- he looks less closed off, less intimidating.

Many of the previous existing heart events were expanded upon in the remake, or replaced entirely with ones that fit the character; in Lloyd's case, he hasn't fully settled down in Zephyr Town just yet, and is always ready to pack his bags and leave the moment he feels it's time- though, his liking of telling stories from places he's been from hasn't changed. He talks about his travels fondly to those willing to listen, and is pleased when the farmer indulges him and allows him to serve them an unusual tea he's acquired.

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It also shifts the focus of his heart events from finding someone who understands him, to finding a reason to stay- regardless if you pursue him romantically or platonically, Lloyd decides that for all his talk about traveling again, that the world is built upon a string of hellos and goodbyes, he wishes to stay in the same soothing town that he always finds himself coming back to- with you, a beloved partner or trusted friend, as an anchor. It also serves as a new business venture for him, of course- he can finally have a static shop focusing on his passion project. It isn't presented as a story of a cold and distant person warming up to the world around them because the "right" person came along- it shows a person who has been comfortable and accustomed to the life he has known for so long that he cannot possibly justify any sentiments on wanting to stay; at least, not at first.

But even prior to his heart events, and even outside of them, you can see he isn't the same standoffish Lloyd as he was in the original game; the Lloyd that seems too serious to make time for you at first, the Lloyd that seems too cold, and needs to have his heart melted.

In the remake, he actively seeks the farmer out as a business partner, serving as a foil to Sophie in many ways; both are tutorial characters that are close to Felix, and in the opening scene of being introduced to the bazaar, Lloyd and Sophie are the ones walking around the area. Sophie is a sociable, friendly and warm girl that will help the farmer to the best of her abilities- Lloyd is a more quiet type of person, who spends his days in his house or by the yellow windmill, or out of town restocking items; but he will remind you, even from the very start of your budding friendship, to not work too hard to the point of exhaustion, to always head back home before it gets too dark around your farm. He will express his support for the farmer in competitions, especially Animal Shows, where he will express that Woofio has a good eye if you were to win- and try to console you by implying Woofio cannot see well beyond his costume if you were to lose.

To add to this, he is more involved with the community, even if his schedule doesn't actively show it; he mentions interacting with June, and is shown in a random event and even in the credits scene interacting with her and Gabriel on a friendly basis, even if it only seems he's interested in their art for the business side of things. He maintains his conversational relationship with the mayor Felix, but openly shares stories about how the mayor has done a lot for him, and how he sees him as a second father. He expresses jealousy for the business partnership of Isaac and Wilbur, and admiration for the networking skills of Harold and mathematical skills of Diana. He doesn't fully understand Honey Day, but finds it endearing when he is given a present. He expresses curiosity about the Pumpkin Festival and the tricks the children might pull, but supplies candy as to not make them cry.

Of course, he expresses the same warmth to the farmer, especially when he is married to them- but the warmth he has is not solely for the farmer, but for the town that has grown to feel like home. He isn't only seeking an interesting romantic partner who listens to the many stories he has of his travels- he seeks to find reasons on why he should allow himself to stay in Zephyr Town, even if he seems to be growing comfortable already by the time the farmer has moved into the town; and once he finds a business partner in them, and proof that the town's resources of ores can supply his bazaar stall, that's all he needs to realize this is where he wants to be.

The remake expands upon what was already there for Lloyd's character, making his business not only, well, a business for him- but a genuine interest he involves the farmer in. His preference for not being too sociable isn't solely because of his serious personality, but because he is self-admitted to find festivities like the Tea Party a little too much. He is blunt and forward, and has some snark on him- but it is never meant to come across as him looking down on what he deems is strange; it's just how he is.

In a cast of colorful and whimsical characters, his quirk isn't that he's the entirely standoffish and cold tsundere with a soft spot for only a romantic interest; his quirk is that he's just a normal guy in a cast of vibrant personalities, but he himself is not entirely deprived of the same whimsical attitude they have for life- it's just that he comes in darker colors.