Mario vs. Donkey Kong / Characters and enemies

Mario vs. Donkey Kong Characters and enemies: Mario, Minis and moving obstacles

Understand which characters you control and how enemies become puzzle tools.

Edition covered

Original 2004 Game Boy Advance game. Excludes the 2024 Switch remake’s added worlds, cooperative play, Casual mode and changed Expert requirements.

9 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.

Main cast

Directly controlled hero

Mario

Movement puzzles use his acrobatics.

Reference

Boss

Donkey Kong

Throws or activates arena hazards.

Reference

Rescue and escort target

Mini-Mario

Its safety matters in Plus stages.

Reference

Story and rescue characters

Toads

Not a GBA cooperative player option.

Reference

Movable enemy

Shy Guy

Can contribute to a route puzzle.

Reference

Hazard families

Moves along ropes

Snapjaw

Wait for a safe climbing window.

Reference

Drops onto Mario’s path

Thwomp

Trigger it from a safe position.

Reference

Projects fire

Fire Shy Guy

Watch its facing and attack timing.

Reference

Timed explosion

Bob-omb

Plan the throw before picking it up.

Reference

More characters and enemies

Laser — Crosses a narrow route · Study the cycle before carrying the key

Quick notes

Mario is directly controlled in this original game. Run, jump and carry objects with Mario himself.
Mini-Marios fill several different roles. Ordinary levels end by freeing a toy.
An enemy may be the intended platform. Some foes can be stood on or carried.
Boss health is prepared in the preceding stage. Protecting the six Minis in a world’s gathering level gives Mario more room for mistakes against Donkey Kong.

References

Guide references
Reference	Website
Nintendo game information or original manual	www.nintendo.com
Original-edition mechanics and reference	www.mariowiki.com