Pauline
From damsel to mayor, the spirited singer who stands beside Donkey Kong.
Pauline is a pivotal character in the Mario and Donkey Kong franchises created by Shigeru Miyamoto. She debuted in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong as 'the Lady,' serving as the damsel kidnapped by Donkey Kong who must be rescued by her love interest, Mario. As one of the earliest examples of this archetype in video games, she was eventually replaced by Princess Peach in the Super Mario series but remained a friend in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong titles. In 2017, she returned in Super Mario Odyssey with a major new role as the mayor of New Donk City and lead singer for The Super Mario Players. Since then, she has appeared as a playable character in numerous spin-offs including Mario Tennis Aces, Mario Kart Tour, and Mario Kart World. Notably, a teenage version of Pauline appeared in Donkey Kong Bananza in June 2025.
- First Appearance
- Donkey Kong (1981)
- Role
- Mayor of New Donk City / Singer
- Affiliation
- The Super Mario Players
- Occupation
- Mayor, Singer
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Pauline's history began when Shigeru Miyamoto and other developers created her for the 1981 arcade hit. Initially planned as 'Lady' and Mario's girlfriend, she was named after Don James, the then-girlfriend of Nintendo of America's warehouse manager. In the original game, captured atop a New York City construction site, official artwork depicted her disheveled like Ann Darrow in King Kong, with cartoonist Leslie Cabarga drawing inspiration from Betty Boop for her design. Early sound tests by Hirokazu Tanaka attempted to synthesize her voice, but lines like "Help, help!" were replaced by sound effects after pronunciation concerns arose; an English teacher noted the synthesized voice sounded like she was saying "Kelp!". For decades, Pauline remained a static figure until her reintroduction in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis. Her major evolution arrived in 2017 with Super Mario Odyssey, where producer Yoshiaki Koizumi selected her as mayor to resonate with players. She performs "Jump Up, Super Star!" and "Break Free (Lead the Way)," voiced by Kate Higgins. This shift transformed her from a passive captive into an empowered leader. In 2025, Donkey Kong Bananza introduced a teenage Pauline who serves as Donkey Kong's sidekick, utilizing her singing voice to transform him and fire exploding projectiles in multiplayer.
In Their Own Story
The narrative of Pauline has shifted dramatically since her first appearance. Originally, she was simply the prize at the top of the ladder, crying for help while Mario battled barrels and fireballs. Her role in Donkey Kong no Ongaku Asobi was planned to feature her as a band frontwoman before the game's cancellation. Years later, Super Mario Odyssey reimagined her life entirely. In New Donk City, she is no longer waiting rescue but leading the city as mayor and performing jazz for crowds. She helps Mario on his quest, singing alongside him while the band The Super Mario Players provides the soundtrack. In 2025's Donkey Kong Bananza, a younger Pauline appears not as a victim, but as an active companion to Donkey Kong. This incarnation allows her to use her voice as a weapon and tool, enabling Donkey Kong to transform into different forms. The story of their partnership in this game highlights a complete reversal of their original dynamic: instead of Mario saving her from the ape, she stands beside him, using her unique abilities to aid his adventures against new threats.
Reader's Guide
Pauline debuted as a playable character in Mario Tennis Aces (March 2019) and later made her racing debut in Mario Kart Tour (September 2019). She is also available as DLC in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Her roster of appearances includes Mario Golf: Super Rush, Mario Strikers: Battle League, and the party game Super Mario Party Jamboree. In June 2025, she joined Mario Kart World and appeared as a playable character in Mario Tennis Fever. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Pauline appears on the New Donk City stage alongside her band; interacting with them adds extra instruments and vocals to the music track. She is also featured as a collectible Spirit using her Odyssey artwork. For players seeking specific abilities, note that in Donkey Kong Bananza (2025), teenage Pauline can use her singing voice to transform Donkey Kong into other forms. In multiplayer mode for this title, she has the ability to fire exploding projectiles.
Did You Know?
- Pauline was named after the girlfriend of Nintendo of America's warehouse manager, Don James.
- Her original voice lines were scrapped because an English teacher said she sounded like she was saying "Kelp!" instead of "Help!"
- In 2017, Pauline became the mayor of New Donk City in Super Mario Odyssey and sings the theme song "Jump Up, Super Star!"
- A teenage version of Pauline appears in Donkey Kong Bananza (2025) as Donkey Kong's sidekick who can transform him with her singing.
- Cartoonist Leslie Cabarga based Pauline's appearance on Betty Boop and the style of Fleischer Studios for the game's print ads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pauline in the Donkey Kong series?
Pauline is a video game character created by Shigeru Miyamoto who debuted in the original 1981 arcade title Donkey Kong. While she initially appeared as Mario's love interest, she has since evolved into a prominent figure within both the Mario and Donkey Kong franchises.
What role does Pauline play in Super Mario Odyssey?
In the 2017 game Super Mario Odyssey, Pauline serves as the elected mayor of New Donk City and acts as a lead singer for her band, The Super Mario Players. This role marked a significant shift from her earlier portrayal as a passive character in need of rescue.
Why did Princess Peach replace Pauline in later games?
As one of the earliest examples of a damsel-in-distress archetype, her role was eventually taken over by Princess Peach when the Super Mario series began. However, Pauline remained a recurring friend and ally in later titles like the Mario vs. Donkey Kong spin-offs.
Does Pauline have any special powers or abilities?
Unlike many action heroes, Pauline does not possess combat-based superpowers but instead utilizes her position as a civic leader and entertainer to aid the protagonists. Her primary contributions involve organizing events in New Donk City and performing music that supports Mario's journey.
How is Pauline connected to Donkey Kong?
Originally, Donkey Kong was the antagonist who captured her in the first game, forcing Mario to save her. Modern canon portrays them as allies, with Pauline often standing beside Donkey Kong during musical performances and city events.
More in Characters & Rivals
Elsewhere in the Donkey Kong universe
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