Pauline

Pauline in Donkey Kong GB.
Paulin
Species	Human
Hair color	Brunette
Eye color	Blue
Debut	Donkey Kong

Pauline was Mario's girlfriend in the original Donkey Kong game, and was the first damsel-in-distress Mario rescued onscreen.

Background

Pauline appeared in Donkey Kong, where she had been kidnapped by the mad ape Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong held her at the top of each level, but Mario constantly chased Donkey Kong down. Eventually Mario defeated Donkey Kong and was reunited with Pauline in what seemed to be the Mushroom Kingdom. There Pauline tossed Mario what may have been his first Super Mushroom.

After a long absence, Pauline reappeared in Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis. She was described as "Mario's glamorous friend" and appeared as the guest of honor in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Super Mini Mario World. However, Donkey Kong instantly became infatuated with her and kidnapped her as he (or his ancestor) had done before. This time Pauline was saved by the Mini Mario toys.

Trivia

• In the original version of Donkey Kong, she had blonde hair. The Game Boy remake changed her hair color to brown, presumably to avoid confusion with the blonde Princess Peach.
• The Japanese version simply calls her "Lady". The name of Pauline probably comes from a 20's movie serial, "The Perils of Pauline", where the title character was constantly in distress.
• Mario and Pauline also make a cameo appearance together in the Bonus Stage of the NES game "Pinball".