Favorite Mario Character?

I'd have to go with Yoshi, or possibly Geno. 

Big fan of Toad for some reason.

I can never seem to give a short responce with these kinds of things so my apologies ahead of time if I rant a little.

There are a few top contenders, but in the end I have to go with Bowser. He was originally simply the "boss character" but has evolved greatly as a character. He can be a genuine threat (Mario Galaxy) but then prove to be the series best source of comedy (the RPGs).  He's obsessed with world domination, but is still a caring father. His never-ending quest to defeat Mario has grown into something of his way to prove his worth to himself and the universe. Nintendo plays on his role as antagonist in such subtle but effective ways. It's easy to just say "Bowser's the bad guy again" but Nintendo has found away to turn what would otherwise be a cliche into character development, it's just a shame more people don't see the complexity that Bowser has become.

 The close runners-up for me are Mario himself (because he's Mario), Luigi (for similar reasons to Bowser, but to a lesser extent), Wario (he makes me laugh), Rosalina (a tragic Mario character? Cool), Geno (he's like Gandalf and Buzz Lightyear in one) and Fawful (because he's the mustard of your doom).

I guess I also could have listed DK, Yoshi, Peach and Kamek, but then I'm not really narrowing it am I? Ooh, but I should give Diddy Kong a mention if he counts, because DKC2 is one of my favorite games, and also, duh, monkey with a boom box! 

I can never seem to give a short responce with these kinds of things so my apologies ahead of time if I rant a little.

 

There are a few top contenders, but in the end I have to go with Bowser. He was originally simply the "boss character" but has evolved greatly as a character. He can be a genuine threat (Mario Galaxy) but then prove to be the series best source of comedy (the RPGs).  He's obsessed with world domination, but is still a caring father. His never-ending quest to defeat Mario has grown into something of his way to prove his worth to himself and the universe. Nintendo plays on his role as antagonist in such subtle but effective ways. It's easy to just say "Bowser's the bad guy again" but Nintendo has found away to turn what would otherwise be a cliche into character development, it's just a shame more people don't see the complexity that Bowser has become.

 

 The close runners-up for me are Mario himself (because he's Mario), Luigi (for similar reasons to Bowser, but to a lesser extent), Wario (he makes me laugh), Rosalina (a tragic Mario character? Cool), Geno (he's like Gandalf and Buzz Lightyear in one) and Fawful (because he's the mustard of your doom).

 

I guess I also could have listed DK, Yoshi, Peach and Kamek, but then I'm not really narrowing it am I? Ooh, but I should give Diddy Kong a mention if he counts, because DKC2 is one of my favorite games, and also, duh, monkey with a boom box! 

SloganYams

Your paragraph about Bowser explains why I like him so much. :D

Geno (he's like Gandalf and Buzz Lightyear in one)SloganYams

Yoshi Yoshi Yoshi Yoshi!

I would say Mario is my favorite. Just a timeless character that embodies what video games are all about.Lost_M

I'm not sure I have a distinct favourite but I'm going to go for Kamek. Hes the smart powerful magikoopa that has shown real loyalty to Bowser. despite Bowser's idiocy!) throughout Mario's history. While he will mock Mario from time to time he does show respect for him and is never afraid to back down from fighting nor of actually dying as he did in sticker star (my favourite battle in that entire game as its the only boss fight that isn't against baby Bowser or against a boss with 300+ life and a specific weak point).

I loved how he's an enemy in Super Mario RPG, since hes being brainwashed, but upon being defeated will immediately apologie for attacking Mario, Bowser and co and proceed to give Mario a source of infinite coins.

Kammy Koopa (his Paper Mario equivalent) was also an amusing addition although personality-wise Kamek was better. 

Peach, Rosalina and Yoshi

Princess Peach 4EverGreen