Mario
Everyone's favourite moustachioed Italian plumber. The running, jumping hero of Super Mario Sunshine.
FLUDD == File:FLUDD.jpg
FLUDD could be described as an item rather than a character, but as it/he/she can talk, that surely promotes it to character status. FLUDD is the probably the most important character in the game as it cleans up graffiti, reveals coins and Shines, defeats enemies and gets Mario to places that he just wouldn't be able to reach otherwise. It was invented by Professor E. Gadd (of Luigi's Mansion fame), and comes with 2 nozzles attached - the spray nozzle and the hover nozzle - but there are also 2 other nozzle attachments that can be found as you progress through the game. Head on over to the Controls section to find out how to use FLUDD.
Yoshi
Mario's dragon buddy returns, but not until the later stages of the game. He is essential for completing some the missions, with his excellent jumping skills and his ability to spit fruit juice and eat bad guys. When you see a Yoshi Egg lying around, feed it the fruit that it wants to hatch a shiny new Yoshi for you to ride on. Make sure you keep him topped up with fruit to keep him happy.
Princess Peach
Peach is the Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom with a tendency to get kidnapped, usually by big ugly lizards. She is also Mario's love interest.
Toadsworth
Toadsworth is one of Toad elders and is Peach's long-time steward. Although, he's clearly not too good at his job, judging by the amount of times Peach gets kidnapped.
Toad
There are many Toad's, each with different coloured polka dots on their mushroom-shaped heads. They are Peach's attendants and can often be useful for giving Mario bits of information.
Pianta
Piantas are residents of Isle Delfino. The guidebook calls them the "Mountain People" and says of them:
"These mountain folk are strong, sociable and curious. The trees on their heads provide relief from the island's heat."
Noki
Nokis are residents of Isle Delfino that live near the ocean. There are not seen as often as the larger Pianta people. The guidebook says:
"Nokis wear vibrant seashells reminiscent of their time living in the coral reefs. They are timid but highly intellectual."