Peach, Pauline, Daisy : les rôles féminins de Mario

Peach, Pauline, Daisy: Mario's Female Characters

1072 mots | Temps de lecture : 5 minute(s)

While the Super Mario universe often revolves around the famous mustachioed plumber, the female characters surrounding him have also left their mark on video game history. From Pauline, the very first damsel in distress, to Peach, the royal icon, and Daisy, the sporty princess with a strong personality, each has undergone a notable evolution. Their roles have transformed from passive figures to playable characters, heroines, and leaders.

Table of Contents

Pauline: The Forgotten Pioneer Who Became Mayor

Pauline is the first female character in the Mario universe to appear, as early as Donkey Kong (1981), where she is kidnapped by the gorilla and rescued by Jumpman (the future Mario).

From Damsel in Distress to Woman of Influence

  • 1981 – Donkey Kong: Pauline embodies the classic "damsel in distress" figure.
  • 2006 – Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis: She is the guest of honor at the opening of the Super Mini Mario World park, before being kidnapped by Donkey Kong.
  • 2017 – Super Mario Odyssey: A triumphant return as mayor of New Donk City and charismatic singer ("Jump Up, Super Star!").

Peach: The Iconic Princess Who Takes Charge

Peach Toadstool became the central female figure in Super Mario Bros. (1985), where she is captured by Bowser. But her role has evolved significantly over the decades, transitioning from a passive princess to an active protagonist.

Her Major Steps Towards Empowerment

  • 1988 – Super Mario Bros. 2: First playable appearance, with the unique ability to float.
  • 2005 – Super Princess Peach: Peach becomes the heroine and saves Mario and his friends, with gameplay focused on her emotions.
  • Since the 2000s: She is playable in all spin-offs and in Super Mario 3D World.
  • 2024 – Princess Peach: Showtime!: A solo game where Peach takes on several heroic roles in a theater setting.

Daisy: The Energetic Princess of the Sarasaland Kingdom

Daisy appears in Super Mario Land (1989, Game Boy), where Mario comes to her rescue. But unlike Peach, she is quickly defined by an outgoing personality.

A Princess Like No Other

  • 2000 – Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64): Daisy returns with a more assertive and sporty personality.
  • 2000 – 2020: She becomes indispensable in sports, karting, and party games.
  • 2022 – Mario Strikers: Battle League: Daisy displays a combative and determined attitude.
  • 2023 – Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Playable in a main platformer game.

Other Female Figures: Rosalina, Toadette, Birdo

Rosalina – The Mysterious Star

  • First Appearance: Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
  • Role: Guardian of the cosmos, spiritual guide to the Lumas
  • Characteristics: wisdom, emotional distance, almost maternal figure

Toadette – The Ingenious Transformed

  • First Appearance: Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003)
  • Role: Toad's companion, explorer in Captain Toad
  • Key Highlight: Transformation into Peachette thanks to the Super Crown in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Birdo – Ambiguous and Cult Figure

  • First Appearance: Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)
  • Role: boss, then playable character in spin-offs
  • Specificity: Interpreted as a transgender character, she has become an LGBTQ+ icon in the fandom

Chronological Table of Major Female Characters

Character First Appearance Notable Game Notable Evolution
Pauline 1981 – Donkey Kong 2017 – Super Mario Odyssey Mayor of New Donk City
Peach 1985 – Super Mario Bros. 2024 – Princess Peach: Showtime! Heroic and versatile protagonist
Daisy 1989 – Super Mario Land 2023 – Super Mario Bros. Wonder Playable character in a main game
Rosalina 2007 – Super Mario Galaxy 2014 – Smash Bros. Wii U Guardian of the universe, mystical figure
Toadette 2003 – Mario Kart: Double Dash!! 2019 – Captain Toad + Peachette Evolution thanks to the Super Crown
Birdo 1988 – Super Mario Bros. 2 2003 – Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Queer icon in the saga
Peluche Mario - Bébé Peach - 18cm

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FAQ – Female Characters of the Mario Universe

  • Is Peach always a princess to be rescued?
    No. She is now a heroine in several games, including Super Princess Peach and Showtime!
  • Is Daisy Peach's sister or cousin?
    No. They are friends but come from different kingdoms: Peach from the Mushroom Kingdom, Daisy from Sarasaland.
  • Who is Peachette?
    A transformation of Toadette via the Super Crown, appearing in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
  • Is Pauline the same as in Donkey Kong?
    Yes. Nintendo canonized her return as mayor in Odyssey, with an assumed continuity.

Conclusion

Long confined to passive roles, Pauline, Peach, and Daisy have established themselves as pillars of the Mario universe. Their evolution illustrates not only changes in audience expectations but also Nintendo's progressive desire to offer active, charismatic, and varied female characters. Today, they are no longer simply associated with Mario — each has her own trajectory and her own audience.

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