Toad (Japanese キノピオ Kinopio) is Princess Peach's attendant and a long time protector of the Mushroom Kingdom. He is actually a singular character among an entire species of look-alikes (much like the Yoshi species). He usually has the role of a supporting character who tries to help Mario on his adventures however he is occasionally a playable character and a main protagonist at times as well. - From the Super Mario Wiki