Pauline (formerly known as Lady) was the damsel-in-distress in the game Donkey Kong. She was, at the time, Mario’s girlfriend; however, she is not a princess, just a regular woman. In the game, Pauline is kidnapped by the original Donkey Kong (who is now, in fact, the elderly Cranky Kong) and taken to a construction site. Of course, Mario, who was then a construction worker, must rescue her. As he climbs to the top of the construction site, Mario can collect various articles Pauline has dropped, such as her purse or hat, for bonus points.
Pauline has not been heard from since, as she has been replaced by Princess Peach as Mario’s love interest. It is rumored that Pauline may be romantically involved with Stanley the Bugman, but this is pure speculation.
Pauline was named after the movie serial, The Perils of Pauline. Much like her video game counterpart, the movie character Pauline constantly gets kidnapped.
