Mario characters

The red-capped plumber started life as “Jumpman”. Cheerful, brave and famously acrobatic, he has starred in more than 200 games — platformers, racing, sports, puzzles and RPGs. His signature move is the jump, and his catchphrase is “Let's-a go!”.

Mario's taller younger twin brother wears green and jumps higher but slides more. Often nervous, he proved his courage as the lead of the Luigi's Mansion series, hunting ghosts with a vacuum cleaner.

Ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, known as Princess Toadstool in early English releases. She is often kidnapped by Bowser, but she is also a playable heroine — floating with her parasol in Super Mario Bros. 2 and starring in her own games.

The loyal mushroom-headed retainers of Princess Peach. In the original game they greeted Mario at the end of each castle with “Thank you Mario! But our princess is in another castle!” Captain Toad later got his own puzzle adventure.

A friendly green dinosaur who lets Mario ride on his back, swallows enemies with his long tongue and lays eggs. Yoshi has his own series, starting with Yoshi's Island.

The energetic princess of Sarasaland, rescued by Mario in his first Game Boy adventure. A regular in Mario Kart, Mario Party and sports games.

The calm guardian of the cosmos who watches over the star-shaped Lumas from her Comet Observatory. She became a playable character in later games.

The giant ape from Mario's very first game. The original DK became Cranky Kong; today's tie-wearing Donkey Kong stars in his own Donkey Kong Country series.

Mario's greedy, garlic-loving rival in yellow and purple. He went from villain to anti-hero with the Wario Land platformers and the frantic WarioWare microgames.

Wario's tall, lanky partner in mischief and Luigi's rival. Despite only appearing in spin-offs, he has a devoted fan following.

The King of the Koopas — a huge, fire-breathing turtle-dragon with a spiked shell. He keeps kidnapping Peach and trying to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom, yet he joins Mario for go-karting, tennis and parties.

Bowser's son and heir, often seen in his Koopa Clown Car. He framed Mario with a magic paintbrush in Super Mario Sunshine.

The most famous first enemy in gaming: a walking mushroom that betrayed the Mushroom Kingdom. One stomp defeats it. In Mario.Game Adventure their role is played by the Walker.

Bowser's turtle foot soldiers. Stomp one and it hides in its shell — which you can kick to bowl over other enemies.

A carnivorous plant that pops out of pipes on a timer. Patience is the best weapon: wait for it to sink before jumping over its pipe.

A red, spike-shelled creature first thrown down by Lakitu from his cloud. Its spikes mean it can't be stomped — use fireballs or a kicked shell instead.

A shy ghost that covers its face when you look at it and creeps closer when you turn your back.

A goggled Koopa riding a cloud who follows Mario through the level and throws Spinies. In Mario Kart, he is the friendly referee who fishes you out of trouble.