Mario

Mario is Nintendo's mascot and main protagonist of the long-running Mario franchise. Mario has starred in many different genres from puzzle to racing, and he has expanded into other mediums outside the realm of gaming, such as movies and cartoons.

Mario's role is often rescuing Princess Peach (originally Princess Toadstool) from his arch-nemesis Bowser, the ruler of the turtle-like Koopas, whose primary goal is to kidnap Peach and take over the Mushroom Kingdom, the peaceful home of Mario, Peach, and the mushroom-like Toads. Other enemies include Donkey Kong and Wario, although he is sometimes allied with them. Mario also appears in Mario Kart, where he is a go-kart racer, other sports-themed Mario games, and the Mario Party series.

Mario was created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Charles Martinet has provided Mario's voice since Super Mario 64.

Origin
Mario started his life as Jump Man in Donkey Kong. When it came time to release Mario Bros. in America, Nintendo of America needed a name for the hero. While in the middle of a brainstorming session, their landlord, an Italian-American named Mario Segale, burst in demanding rent. After he left, they decided that Mario would be their characters name after pointing out physical similarities between Jumpman and Segale.

Donkey Kong
Mario was referred to Jumpman in Donkey Kong. Mario's goal was to rescue Pauline, his girlfriend. Pauline was kidnapped by Donkey Kong who brought with her high above the building.

Mario Bros.
Mario appears in Mario Bros., even introducing his brother, Luigi as a playable character. Mario's job was also shown to be a plumber.

Super Mario Bros.
Mario makes his titular appearance in Super Mario Bros. along with Luigi as another playable character. Mario heard about the Koopa King who casted dark magic transforming the Mushroom Retainers into inanimate objects. Princess Toadstool can undo the spell, but Koopa King held her captive in his castle.

Abilites
Mario's trademark abilities are jumping and stomping, as well as the ability to obtain special powers with a variety of items, such as a Super Mushroom (allows him grow in height in games where his starting form is much shorter), a Fire Flower (gives him the ability to throw fireballs), and many other forms. He has superhuman strength, being able to pick up or throw gargantuan enemies, as well as stun them with ease. He possesses great physical durability, being able to withstand great impacts, such as falling from great distances and blows from strong goes. This durability extends to extreme environments, including freezing cold, scorching heat, and even outer space. He also has a firm grip, being able to hold on to poles and blocks for an infinite time.

Trivia

 * Mario was originally named Jump Man.
 * Mario and others are unlockable extra characters in the GameCube version of NBA Street V3 and SSX On Tour.
 * Shigeru Miyamoto has stated in an interview that Mario does not have a last name at all.
 * There is a Mario and Yoshi statue on a desk in Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes.
 * Mario Day is celebrated on March 10 (written as "MAR10").