Peach, Pauline, Daisy : évolution des rôles féminins dans l’univers Mario

Peach, Pauline, Daisy: Evolution of female roles in the Mario universe

1042 mots | Temps de lecture : 5 minute(s)

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

Summary

Pauline: the forgotten pioneer who became mayor

Pauline is the first woman in the Mario universe to appear, starting in Donkey Kong ( 1981 ), where she is kidnapped by the gorilla and saved by Jumpman (future Mario).

From damsel in distress to woman of influence

  • 1981 – Donkey Kong : Pauline embodies the classic figure of the “damsel in distress”.
  • 2006 – Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 : She reappears as CEO of Mini-Land , the first form of autonomy.
  • 2017 – Super Mario Odyssey : 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 was captured by Bowser . But her role evolved significantly over the decades, from passive princess to active protagonist.

Its major stages of emancipation

  • 1988 – Super Mario Bros. 2 : First playable, with the unique ability to float.
  • 2005 – Super Princess Peach : Peach becomes the heroine and saves Mario and his friends, with gameplay centered around her emotions.
  • Since the 2000s : she is playable in all spin-offs and in Super Mario 3D World .
  • 2024 – Princess Peach: Showtime!: A single-player game where Peach plays several heroic roles in the theater.

Daisy: The energetic princess of the kingdom of Sarasaland

Daisy appears in Super Mario Land ( 1989 , Game Boy), where Mario sets out to rescue her. But unlike Peach, she is quickly defined by an extroverted temperament.

A princess like no other

  • 1999 – Mario Tennis 64 : Daisy returns with a more assertive and sporty personality.
  • 2000 – 2020 : It becomes essential in sports, kart and party games.
  • 2022 – Mario Strikers: Battle League : Daisy displays a combative and willful attitude.
  • 2023 – Super Mario Bros. Wonder : Playable in a main platform game.

Other female figures: Rosalina, Toadette, Birdo

Rosalina – The Mysterious Star

  • First appearance: Super Mario Galaxy ( 2007 )
  • Role: Guardian of the universe , spiritual guide of the Lumas
  • Characteristics: wisdom, emotional distance, quasi-maternal figure

Toadette – The Transformed Ingenious

  • First appearance: Mario Kart: Double Dash!! ( 2003 )
  • Role: Toad's companion, explorer in Captain Toad
  • Highlight: Transformed into Peachette using 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
  • Special feature: Played as a transgender character, she became an LGBTQ+ icon in the fandom

Chronological table of major female characters

Character First appearance Highlight game Significant 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 through the Super Crown
Birdo 1988 – Super Mario Bros. 2 2003 – Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Queer symbol in the saga

FAQ – Female Characters in the Mario Universe

  • Is Peach still a princess to be saved?
    No. She's now a heroine in several games, including Super Princess Peach and Showtime!
  • Is Daisy Peach's sister or cousin?
    No. They are friends but from different kingdoms: Peach from the Mushroom Kingdom, Daisy from Sarasaland .
  • Who is Peachette?
    A transformation of Toadette via the Super Crown, which appeared in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe .
  • Is Pauline the same as in Donkey Kong?
    Yes. Nintendo canonized his return as mayor in Odyssey , with 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 the changing expectations of the public, but also Nintendo's gradual desire to offer active, charismatic, and diverse female characters . Today, they are no longer simply associated with Mario—they each have their own trajectory and their own audience.

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