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Who is the Red Girl in Mario Odyssey? Your Definitive Guide to Pauline

The red-clad girl you see singing and swinging through New Donk City in Super Mario Odyssey is Pauline, the city’s mayor. But she’s much more than just a politician! Pauline holds the distinction of being Mario’s original damsel-in-distress, predating even Princess Peach. She’s come a long way from being the helpless “Lady” in the original Donkey Kong arcade game. Now, she’s a confident, jazz-singing, powerhouse of a mayor who’s become a fan favorite.

Pauline: More Than Just a Damsel

Pauline’s transformation is one of the most compelling aspects of her character. She’s gone from being a passive victim to an active and influential figure. In Super Mario Odyssey, she’s not waiting to be rescued; she’s running a city, organizing festivals, and belting out hit songs. Her character arc showcases a shift in female representation within the Mario universe, moving away from the traditional damsel trope. She represents a step towards more empowered and multi-faceted female characters.

The Rise of Mayor Pauline

The reveal of Pauline as the Mayor of New Donk City was a surprise and delight for long-time fans. It signaled a recognition of the character’s history and a willingness to reimagine her role within the Mario canon. Her design is elegant and sophisticated, a far cry from her pixelated origins. She exudes confidence and competence, making her a credible and engaging leader.

Jump Up, Super Star!

Pauline’s musical performance of “Jump Up, Super Star!” during the New Donk City festival is a highlight of Super Mario Odyssey. The song is catchy, upbeat, and perfectly embodies the game’s joyful spirit. The entire sequence is brilliantly staged, blending classic Mario gameplay with a contemporary musical performance. This scene alone solidified Pauline’s resurgence and cemented her place in the hearts of players. Studying the impact of games on society, including the evolving roles of characters like Pauline, is an area explored by organizations such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pauline

Here are some common questions about Pauline, addressed in detail:

Is Pauline Mario’s ex-girlfriend? While never explicitly stated in the games, it is heavily implied that Mario and Pauline had a romantic relationship in their early days, dating back to the original Donkey Kong game. Many fans consider her to be Mario’s first love interest. The exact status of their relationship is left ambiguous, but they appear to be on friendly terms in Super Mario Odyssey.
Who was the girl in Donkey Kong? The girl in the original Donkey Kong arcade game was Pauline, originally known as “Lady” in the Japanese version. She was the damsel in distress that Mario (then known as Jumpman) had to rescue from Donkey Kong’s clutches.
Why did Mario break up with Pauline? The reason for Mario and Pauline’s potential “break-up” is never officially addressed by Nintendo. Popular fan theories suggest that the introduction of Princess Peach and Mario’s subsequent focus on rescuing her might have led to the end of their relationship. However, this remains speculative.
Is Pauline in love with Mario? Whether or not Pauline harbors romantic feelings for Mario in the present day is left open to interpretation. In Super Mario Odyssey, she seems genuinely happy to see Mario and appreciates his help in revitalizing New Donk City. However, her interactions are professional and friendly, rather than overtly romantic.
Is Pauline a princess? No, Pauline is not a princess. She is the mayor of New Donk City, a bustling metropolis in the Mushroom Kingdom. This makes her one of the few significant female characters in the Mario franchise who is not royalty.
What is Pauline’s relationship with Peach? The relationship between Pauline and Princess Peach is not extensively explored in the games. However, there is no indication of animosity between them. They seem to coexist peacefully within the Mario universe, each fulfilling their respective roles.
What is “Jump Up, Super Star!”? “Jump Up, Super Star!” is a song performed by Pauline in Super Mario Odyssey. It’s a catchy jazz number that serves as the theme song for New Donk City’s festival. The song has become incredibly popular among fans, and it’s considered one of the most memorable aspects of the game.
What is New Donk City? New Donk City is a vibrant and modern city in the Mushroom Kingdom featured in Super Mario Odyssey. It’s inspired by real-world cities like New York City and is characterized by its skyscrapers, bustling streets, and energetic atmosphere. Pauline serves as its mayor.
What is Pauline’s role in Super Mario Odyssey? In Super Mario Odyssey, Pauline plays a pivotal role in the New Donk City segment. She tasks Mario with collecting musicians to perform at the city’s festival, and she ultimately sings “Jump Up, Super Star!” during the event. She also provides Mario with valuable assistance and information throughout his adventure.
Is Pauline a playable character in any Mario games? Yes, Pauline has been a playable character in several Mario spin-off titles, including games like Mario Tennis Aces, Mario Kart Tour, and Super Mario Party. These appearances have further solidified her presence in the Mario universe.
What was Pauline originally called? In the original Japanese version of Donkey Kong, Pauline was initially known as “Lady.” The name was changed to Pauline for the international release.
Has Pauline appeared in games other than Super Mario Odyssey and Donkey Kong? Yes, Pauline has appeared in various Mario games over the years, including the Donkey Kong game for the Game Boy, the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, and various spin-off titles. Her design and role have evolved significantly over time.
Why is Pauline important to the Mario franchise? Pauline is important because she represents a significant piece of Mario history. She was the original damsel-in-distress, and her reappearance in Super Mario Odyssey marked a triumphant return and a revitalized role within the franchise. She showcases the evolution of female characters in video games.
Does Pauline have any special abilities? While Pauline doesn’t have any specific superpowers like some other Mario characters, her leadership skills, musical talent, and resilience make her a formidable figure. Her ability to organize and inspire others is a valuable asset.
Will Pauline appear in future Mario games? Given Pauline’s popularity and her successful return in Super Mario Odyssey, it is highly likely that she will continue to appear in future Mario games, whether in main installments or spin-off titles. Her character has resonated with fans, and Nintendo seems to recognize her value.

The Enduring Appeal of Pauline

Pauline’s resurgence demonstrates the power of character reinvention and the importance of acknowledging gaming history. She’s not just a nostalgic throwback; she’s a compelling and modern character who has earned her place among the Mario universe’s most beloved figures. From damsel to mayor, Pauline’s journey is a testament to her enduring appeal.

Who is the red girl in Mario Odyssey?