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Vivian is [[Mario]]'s fifth party member in [[Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door]].
{{FA}}
{{character infobox
|image=[[File:PMTTYDNS Vivian Artwork 2.png|150px]]<br>Artwork from ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' (Nintendo Switch)
|first_appearance=''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' ([[List of games by date#2004|2004]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' ([[Nintendo Switch]]) ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
}}
{{quote|I'm with [[Mario]] all the way! Today, [[Beldam|Sis]]...I'm going to punish YOU, you hear me?|Vivian|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door}}
'''Vivian''' is a major [[List of characters|character]] in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' and its [[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)|Nintendo Switch remake]]. She originally worked as a member of the villainous [[Three Shadows]] alongside her sisters, [[Beldam]] and [[Marilyn]]. Later, Vivian defects from the Three Shadows and joins Mario as his fifth party member. She is frequently put down by her oldest sister, Beldam, and has had a poor relationship with both her sisters for quite some time when Mario meets her. Although she suffers from an inferiority complex throughout the events of the game, she learns to respect herself as she travels with Mario.


At first, Vivian is one of the [[Shadow Sirens]]. They battle Mario in [[Boggly Woods]] for [[Flurrie's necklace]] in Chapter 2.
In the Japanese version of the original game, as well as some of its foreign localizations, Vivian is depicted as a {{wp|transgender}} woman; however, due to the age rating the localizers were aiming at when translating ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'',<ref name=fti>{{cite|author=Marco, Francesca Di|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20210607111528/http://www.fti.uab.es/tradumatica/revista/num5/articles/06/06central.htm|title=Revista Tradumàtica|publisher=www.fti.uab.es|language=es-es|accessdate=May 21, 2024}}</ref> the original English version removed this aspect from her character.<ref name="Japanese tmk"/> In the remake, Vivian is consistently portrayed as a transgender woman in both the Japanese script and the revised English localization.<ref name=Trans>{{file link|PMTTYD NS Vivian Transgender Confirmed.jpg|"''Truth is, it took me a while to realize I was their sister...not their brother. Now their usual bullying feels heavier.''"}} - Vivian, ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' (Nintendo Switch)</ref>
==History==
===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''====
[[File:Viviandefeated.png|thumb|Vivian after being defeated]]
Vivian's first appearance in the game is during the interlude following Chapter 1, during which she and her two sisters are sent by [[Grodus|Sir Grodus]] to ambush [[Mario]] in the [[Boggly Woods]]. When Mario arrives there, however, he learns that the picture they were to use to identify him was misplaced by Beldam, who is quick to blame Vivian for the loss. Mario is forced to battle the sisters when he comes to claim [[Flurrie]]'s [[Necklace (Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door)|Necklace]], which Vivian had found in the woods. Upon her defeat, she departs with Marilyn and Beldam, leaving the necklace behind. During the battle with Vivian, she can use [[Fiery Jinx]] when her HP is low, but when Vivian joins Mario's party, she has to be Super Ranked to learn that ability. Additionally, her Fiery Jinx cannot be Superguarded.
[[File:PMTTYD Doopliss vs Mario.png|thumb|left|Vivian with the real Mario (as a shadow) facing against Doopliss]]
After Mario's name and appearance are stolen by [[Doopliss]], Vivian appears in [[Twilight Town]] alongside her sisters, who plan to defeat Mario using a [[Superbombomb]]. When the weapon turns up missing, however, Vivian is once again blamed and sent to find it. When Mario finds the bomb and returns it to her, it turns out to be broken, but she gives him a kiss to thank him for his help and, after learning of the theft of his identity, resolves to return the favor by helping him, unaware that he is truly Mario. Using her powers, Mario eventually learns Doopliss's real name, and the duo corners him at the top of [[Creepy Steeple]].


However, at [[Creepy Steeple]], Mario fights [[Doopliss]], a [[Duplighost]]. He steals Mario's body and identity, leaving Mario as a shadow.
As she has to be fought before joining Mario's party members in Chapter 4, Vivian is the only party member with an entry in Mario's [[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door bestiary|Tattle Log]]. If the player looks through [[Professor Frankly]]'s trash can after fighting the Three Shadows without tattling them, Vivian's Tattle is found, while [[Marilyn]]'s and [[Beldam]]'s are absent. This may foreshadow that Vivian joins the party while Marilyn and Beldam are fought later since only Tattles of one-time enemies are found in the trash. [[Goombella]]'s field [[tattle]] on Vivian is viewable only when Mario first comes across the Three Shadows in Boggly Woods.


When Mario returns to [[Twilight Town]], he finds Vivian searching for a [[Superbombomb]]. Mario finds it for her and Vivian asks him what he is doing here. Mario tells her about Doopliss and Vivian agrees to help get his body back.
Upon learning Mario's identity, Vivian is reluctant to assist in the ensuing battle, though she returns to his side after two turns, having decided that he treats her better than her sisters and is more deserving of her help. Following Doopliss's defeat, Mario stands up for Vivian when she is questioned by his other partners; she ultimately thanks him by handing him the [[Ruby Star]] and thus joins Mario's team.


When Mario and Vivian finally reach Doopliss' room in Creepy Steeple again, they battle him along with all Mario's old partners, who think Doopliss is Mario. Vivian realises that the one she was helping was Mario, but she joins him anyway because Mario was much kinder to her than [[Marilyn]] or [[Beldam]]. At the very end of Mario's adventure, Beldam and Marilyn end their villain activites and promise not to mistreat her again.
When Mario prepares to leave [[Rogueport]] with [[Princess Peach]] after having defeated the [[Shadow Queen]], Vivian is about to tell Mario that she has a crush on him, but decides otherwise, saying that she thinks he and Peach will make a good couple. Later, Goombella's email to Mario reveals that Vivian has returned to [[Beldam]] and [[Marilyn]], who both have ended their villainous activities and promise to never mistreat Vivian again.


Outside of battle, she possesses the same ability [[Bow]] has in ''[[Paper Mario]]'', in which she hides Mario and his team in the shadows.
====''Super Paper Mario''====
[[File:SPM Francis 2nd Room.png|thumb|left|Vivian's plush from ''Super Paper Mario]]''
[[File:Vivian-SPM.png|110px|thumb|Vivian's [[List of Super Paper Mario pre-release and unused content|unused]] sprite in ''Super Paper Mario'']]
In ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', Vivian appears as a [[Catch Card]] won by winning the [[Duel of 100]] in the [[Sammer's Kingdom]]. [[Francis]] also has a Vivian plush doll, and there is a painting of her along with [[Goombella]], [[Koops]], [[Flurrie]], [[Yoshi Kid|Yoshi]], [[Admiral Bobbery]], and [[Ms. Mowz]] in Mario's house. Like Mario's other past partners, there is unused sprite data for Vivian, suggesting that she was originally going to appear in ''Super Paper Mario'', but was removed during development.
{{br|left}}


It is interesting to note that in the japanese version of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
===''Super Mario-kun''===
Vivian was a boy.
[[File:Vivian_SMKun.png|thumb|Vivian kissing Mario in ''Super Mario-kun'']]
In ''[[Super Mario-kun]]'', while many partners accompany Mario during their respective introduction chapters, Vivian appears only after the [[Twilight Town]] act is over, in the first chapter of [[Super Mario-kun Volume 34|volume 34]]. She is the sidekick of an [[X-Naut]] with the aim of destroying Mario with their arsenal of traps. However, as Vivian is a fan of Mario (she owns gadgets and merchandise of him, collects his trash, and has even read all volumes of the manga itself), she deliberately ruins all of their traps. They first use a simple [[banana]] hanging over a hole in the ground, but Vivian jumps in it, and Mario, not noticing her and stepping on her (much to her delight), grabs the banana and walks away.


Vivian possesses the cloaking/transparency ability that Bow had in Paper Mario, but works in a more interesting effect: instead of literally turning invisible, Vivian can pull Mario into their shadow, where they can hide. This allows them to get past objects that move over them, and avoid sight from enemies and their attacks. Vivian possesses the strongest magic of any partner in the game, and is often thought of as the best partner in the game thanks to her fiery powers and the ability to burn enemies.
The two then try to leave a poisonous drink in front of him, but Vivian swaps it with an energy drink. The X-Naut then forces her to enact the next trap, which is tossing a [[bomb]], but the bomb is actually a sphere-shaped {{wp|Bento|bento box}}. The X-Naut try then to resort to using a tank, but Vivian asks for one last chance, using her Veil ability to follow Mario in his own shadow, but she then returns with an album full of pictures of him. Angered, the X-Naut jumps at Mario armed with a [[hammer]], but Vivian stops him with Shade Fist. This time, Mario take notice of his stalkers, and thanks Vivian for saving his life (making her flustered) and invites her to accompany his party to [[Rogueport]]. Even after she reveals she was plotting to take Mario down, Mario does not get angry and forgives her, fueling her admiration for him.
At first, Vivian is a Shadow Siren working with her sisters Beldam and Marilyn. She is often blamed for things she didn't do, resulting in a bit of an inferiority complex. In Chapter 2 they are all sent to destroy Mario in the Boggly Woods, and take the Magical Map. The Sirens, however, fail at defeating Mario. In Chapter 4, when the doppelganger Doopliss steals Mario's name and body, Beldam loses the superbomb and blames Vivian who is then ordered to find it. Mario finds the Superbombomb and gives it to Vivian, making her feel better. However, Vivian is unaware that the shadow comforting her is Mario, so after Mario tells her the story about his problem, Vivian decides to join Mario and help his shadow get back his name and body. However when she finds out that the shadow was Mario, she feels stupid and leaves him right before fighting Doopliss. Later she comes around and decides to help Mario (and actually joins the party) because of the kindness he had given her earlier, or perhaps because she has a slight crush on him.
There is a controversy about Vivian’s true gender in the original Japanese version; some claim that she is a pretty boy or bishounen , much like Zoisite of Sailormoon fame. However, in the Japanese version the “Three Shadows Group” uses the word 魔女たち (majotachi), which refers to a group of sorceresses, i.e. females, words like her, she, and sisters are also used. Unlike most characters that undergo major changes during translation, Vivian maintains her (female) name in both the English and Japanese versions. Beldam often calls Vivian "Man" but this could be Beldam's way of insulting Vivian. More telling is that the menu information describes Vivian as a male though this also could be a joke showing that Mario (who is supposedly journaling the adventure) misheard that Vivan was male.  


The X-Naut then returns and activates a bomb inside her hat. Not wanting her friends to get hurt, Vivian runs away and apparently perishes in the ensuing explosion, but she then returns unharmed: while running, she tripped and her hat tore, making the bomb inside of it roll at the feet of the X-Naut. Mario rejoices in seeing her alive, and Vivian kisses him. Afterwards, Mario points out that her cheeks are scratchy. She admits that she forgot to shave, which shocks Mario, who thinks she is a man.


In a rough translation of the character description of Vivian:
Alongside the other friends of the adventures, Vivian is then seen in chapter 5 of [[Super Mario-kun Volume 35|volume 35]] rooting for Mario and the team via the Crystal Stars during the final battle.


"One of the shadow group, Vivian appears to be a girl but is really a boy."
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
In the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], Vivian is featured in a few collectible items. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', there is a [[Sticker (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)|sticker]] of Vivian, and it can be equipped to any fighter in [[smashwiki:Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary|The Subspace Emissary]] to increase their attack power of energy-related attacks by 5 points. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Vivian is an Advanced-class Shield-type primary [[Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)|spirit]]. Fighters equipped with the spirit have reduced weight during battles. In the spirit battle, the player faces an invisible [[Mr. Game & Watch]] on the [[smashwiki:Battlefield form|Battlefield form]] of the [[Luigi's Mansion (stage)|Luigi's Mansion]] stage.
{{br}}


Also in a rough translation of Goombella's Tattle of Vivian:
==General information==
===Personality===
Vivian is best characterized by her shyness. Throughout the game, she is unable to stand up to Beldam and her cruel nature, constantly taking the blame for things that are really Beldam's own fault. She develops herself in Chapter 4 when she decides to join Mario and leave her family after he shows her an act of kindness. In the [[Palace of Shadow]], Vivian gains the confidence to battle Beldam as payback for all the abuse she suffered. She is still loyal to Beldam, though it is mostly out of fear or dislike of getting "punished" by her.


"That's Vivian. Of the shadow group, she's the youngest sister... er, brother."
Unlike her sisters, Vivian is caring and kind. She wonders if it is bad to do away with Mario and his partners in Chapter 2, and she is a forgiving person, going back with her sisters in the epilogue (despite all the trouble Beldam caused). She seems to have a fondness for jewelry, because when she finds [[Flurrie]]'s [[Necklace (Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door)|Necklace]], she quickly took it, and was upset when Beldam took it from her. In the original game, due to how much Beldam calls her sisters "lovelies", Vivian refers to the group as the "Shadow Beauties" when introduced, much to Beldam's anger. In the remake, she instead introduces the group as "Shadow Sisters", because it makes her happy when Beldam calls her "sister".


== Attacks ==
===Powers and abilities===
{| style="text-align: center; width: 100%; margin: 0 auto; border-collapse: collapse;" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
Outside of battle, Vivian possesses a similar ability to [[Lady Bow]]'s ability in ''[[Paper Mario]]''. While it functions essentially the same, Vivian pulls Mario into her shadow, allowing the two to hide, unlike Lady Bow, who rendered herself and Mario invisible. This allows Mario and Vivian to get past objects that move over them and avoid sight from enemies and their attacks. In battle, Vivian can also attack with fire-based magic, most notably with her Fiery Jinx, which can burn and [[Piercing attack|pierce the defense]] of every enemy in the battle. In the Japanese version, while in the ground with Vivian, the player is able to open the pause menu at any time, even when in a cutscene. If the player does this during Vivian's tutorial, the game will soft-lock afterwards.
|-style="background: #ABC;"
 
!width="10%"|Attack
===Gender===
!width="10%"|Flower Points Needed
{{multiple image
!width="10%"|Effect
|align=right
!width="10%"|Attack Power
|direction=horizontal
|footer=In the original Japanese script of ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'', Beldam insults Vivian by calling her 「オトコ」, "a man". In the English localization of the game, Beldam uses gender-neutral insults instead.
|image1=PMTTYD Beldam JP Insult.png
|width1=200
|image2=PMTTYD Beldam NA Insult.png
|width2=200
}}
In the Japanese Nintendo GameCube version of ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'', Vivian is implied to be a {{wp|transgender}} woman but is often treated as male. While various other characters and narrative text describe Vivian using masculine terms such as ''otoko'' ("man"), and ''otōto'' ("little brother"),<ref name="Japanese boggly"/><ref name="Japanese tattle"/><ref name="Japanese menu"/><ref name="Japanese Goom Goom"/> Vivian initially describes The Three Shadows as ''san shimai'' "three sisters",<ref name="Japanese boggly"/> and routinely uses the feminine<ref>{{cite|author=Clyde Mandelin|date=June 1, 2019|url=https://legendsoflocalization.com/personal-pronouns-in-japanese/|title=Tricky Translations #4: "I" & "Me" in Japanese|publisher=Legends of Localization|language=English|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528221521/https://legendsoflocalization.com/personal-pronouns-in-japanese/|accessdate=May 28, 2024}}</ref> first-person pronoun ''atai''. Furthermore, she becomes upset when Beldam insults her by referring to her with masculine terms.
 
In both her party profile in ''The Thousand-Year Door'' and her Catch Card in ''Super Paper Mario'', Vivian is referred to using the term 「オトコのコ」, ''otokonoko''; being written in katakana, this should be read as 男の子 ("boy") but could be read as 男の娘 (''{{wp|otokonoko|otokonoko}}'', literally "male daughter", a Japanese-language term that refers to a feminine-presenting or cross-dressing man).<ref name="Japanese SPM"/> However, the latter term was not in any documented use until 2006,<ref>{{cite|author=椿 かすみ|date=September 2015|url=https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1521699229975841408|title=魅せ(られ)た男たち : 《男の娘》一〇年の軌跡|publisher=ユリイカ 47 (13)|page=191-198|language=Japanese|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606052754/https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1521699229975841408|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref> two years after the original GameCube release, and the former term is also used in [[Koops]]'s party description, making it extremely unlikely that the latter interpretation was intended.
 
In the original English and German localizations of the game, explicit reference to Vivian being transgender is removed, as are instances where peers and flavor text refer to her with masculine terms. Consequently, Beldam's insults are changed to be gender-neutral. However, all other localized versions of the game contain a version closer to the original.<ref name="fti" /><ref name="French"/><ref name="Spanish"/><ref name="Italian"/> The original Italian version more explicitly identifies Vivian as a trans woman; her description as a party member states that "she used to be a man, but now she's a woman and proud of it," a sentiment that she reiterates during her initial appearance.<ref name="Italian"/><ref name="fti"/>
 
[[File:PMTTYD NS Vivian Transgender Confirmed.jpg|thumb|left|200px|In the Nintendo Switch remake, Vivian is explicitly transgender.]]
 
In the [[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)|Nintendo Switch remake]], Vivian is treated more overtly as a transgender woman. The Japanese script adds in a line where Vivian says, "I have a boy's body, but my heart is a cute girl's!"<ref>{{cite|author=OatmealDome|date=May 21, 2024|url=x.com/OatmealDome/status/1793081375005827084|title=(Paper Mario: TTYD) Here's the original Japanese for this Vivian line. それに じつは アタイ・・・ 体は オトコのコだけど ココロは カワイイ オンナのコなの "The thing is... I... I have a boy's body, but my heart is a cute girl's!" (using feminine first person pronouns)|publisher=X|language=English|archive=archive.today/2024.05.22-032415/https://x.com/OatmealDome/status/1793081375005827084|accessdate=May 21, 2024}}</ref> Additionally, Vivian's party description is changed from "She looks like a girl, but she's really a boy," to "She has a boy's body, but the heart of a girl."<ref>{{cite|author=OatmealDome|date=May 21, 2024|url=https://x.com/OatmealDome/status/1793116357384339692|title=(Paper Mario: TTYD) Vivian's Japanese party menu description was updated. GC: "He may look like a girl, but he's actually a boy." (TCRF translation) Switch: "Has a boy's body, but a girl in their heart." This was removed in the English translation on both GC and Switch.|language=English|accessdate=May 26, 2024}}</ref> The Japanese script also removes lines that refer to Vivian as a man; for example, Beldam's line 「どこが 三姉妹だよ!あんた オトコじゃないかい!」 ("Where do you see three sisters?! Aren't you a man?!") is replaced with 「三姉妹じゃなく 三人組だって いつも いってるじゃないかい!」 ("I always tell you we're a trio, not three sisters!")<ref>{{cite|author=e3ka33ri|date=May 22, 2024|url=https://x.com/e3ka33ri/status/1793478907641122965|title=ここのセリフ変わっとる!!!!!!!!!GC版だと「あんたオトコじゃないか!」ってマジョリンが言ってたしビビアンは「つい…」としか言ってなかったのに|language=Japanese|accessdate=May 26, 2024}}</ref> Goombella's tattle also no longer refers to her as a man, or mentions her gender at all.<ref>{{cite|author=OatmealDome|date=May 21, 2024|url=https://x.com/OatmealDome/status/1793116364783104093|title=Goombella's tattle was also updated to remove all mentions of Vivian's gender in Japanese. Instead, she goes on a little ramble about Vivian being cute and how she might be a bit jealous. This was kept for the English translation.|language=English|accessdate=May 26, 2024}}</ref> The English localization likewise makes it clear that Vivian is transgender, a change from the English release of the GameCube version. Her dialogue now includes a line where she says, "Truth is, it took me a while to realize I was their sister...not their brother."<ref name=Trans/><ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo Life|date=May 21, 2024|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZPwyfIL_qU|title=Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Nintendo Switch Review - Is It Worth It?|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=nintendojam|date=May 21, 2024|url=mynintendonews.com/2024/05/21/review-paper-mario-the-thousand-year-door-for-nintendo-switch/|title=Review: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch|publisher=My Nintendo|language=English|archive=web.archive.org/web/20240521180217/https://mynintendonews.com/2024/05/21/review-paper-mario-the-thousand-year-door-for-nintendo-switch/|accessdate=May 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|author=GameXplain|date=May 21, 2024|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbPRvJpDXAY|title=Confirmed: Vivian is Trans in the Paper Mario TTYD Remake!|publisher=YouTube|language=English|archive=web.archive.org/web/20240521195937/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbPRvJpDXAY|accessdate=May 21, 2024}}</ref> Much like in the Japanese script, Vivian refers to the Three Shadows as the "Three Shadow Sisters", and Beldam corrects her without insulting her appearance,<ref>{{cite|author=BeardBear|date=May 22, 2024|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNwOnxhL_wk|title=Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Remake - All Bosses (No Damage)|publisher=YouTube|language=English|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523091603/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNwOnxhL_wk|accessdate=May 23, 2024}}</ref> instead making a point of refusing to call her "sister".<ref name=Relation>{{file link|PMTTYD NS RELATION WITHHELD.png|"''The might of The Three Shadows—RELATION WITHHELD—will be more than enough to win the day!.''"}} - Beldam, ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' (Nintendo Switch)</ref>
 
==Profiles and statistics==
===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''====
*'''In-game description:''' ''One of the Shadow Sirens, Vivian suffers from a bit of an inferiority complex. Press {{button|gcn|X}} to hide with Mario in the shadows. When hiding, nobody can find you.''
*'''Field Tattle:''' "''This is the youngest sister of the three. The oldest one REALLY picks on her, huh? I don't know whose picture they're talking about, but you think she really lost it?''"
*'''[[Nintendo Power|Player's Guide]]:''' ''Vivian is one of the Shadow Sirens that work for Sir Grodus, but she joins Mario when he shows her an act of kindness. Though she suffers from an inferiority complex, she's perhaps the best partner in the game. Press the X Button to pull Mario into the shadows, where nobody can find him.''<ref>{{cite|author=Thomason, Steve|url=archive.org/details/papermariothethousandyeardoorplayersguide_201909/page/n15/mode/2up|title=''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' Nintendo Player's Guide|page=16|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=October 1, 2004|isbn=1-930206-51-8}}</ref>
=====Nintendo GameCube=====
{{:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door bestiary|transcludesection=Vivian|image=[[File:PMTTYD Vivian Sprite.png]]|align=horizontal}}
=====Nintendo Switch=====
{{:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch) bestiary|transcludesection=Vivian|align=horizontal}}
 
 
The following are Vivian's attacks and stats:
 
;HP
*Initial: 15 HP
*Super Rank: 20 HP
*Ultra Rank: 30 HP
 
;Attacks
{|class=wikitable style="text-align: center; width: 96%; margin: 0 auto"
!width="8%"|Name
!width="8%"| [[Flower Point|FP]] Needed
!width="32%"|Effect
!width="24%"|Action Command
!width="16%"|Attack Power
!width="8%"|Move Rank
|-
|[[Shade Fist]]
| 0
|Sets enemies on fire with a burning punch.
|After three lights flash, player presses the mystery button shown ({{button|gcn|A}},{{button|gcn|B}},{{button|gcn|X}} or {{button|gcn|Y}}).
|Initial: 3<br>Super: 4<br>Ultra: 5
|Initial
|-
|-
|[[Veil]]
|1
|Hides Mario in the shadows to avoid enemy attacks.
|Player presses the 5-button {{button|gcn|A}}/{{button|gcn|B}} combo that appears on the screen.
|N/A
|Initial
|-
|-
|-
| Shade Fist
|[[Fiery Jinx]]
| None
|6
| Sets enemies on fire with a burning punch.
|Deals fire damage to all enemies, piercing defense.  It also burns them.
| Level 1: 3<br>Level 2: 4<br>Level 3: 5
|Player presses the 5-button combo of {{button|gcn|A}},{{button|gcn|B}},{{button|gcn|X}}, and {{button|gcn|Y}} that appear on the screen.
|Super: 5<br>Ultra: 5
|Super Rank
|-
|-
| Veil
|[[Infatuate]]
| 1
|4
| Hides Mario in the shadows.
|Blows a kiss to all enemies to confuse them if effective
| N/A
|When a heart appears above an enemy, player presses {{button|gcn|A}}.
|N/A
|Ultra Rank
|}
 
====''Super Paper Mario''====
{| class="wikitable" align=center width=100%
|-
|-
| Fiery Jinx
!colspan=2|[[Catch Card]]
| 6
| Sets all enemies on fire.
| Level 1: 5<br>Level 2: 5<br>Level 3: 5
|-
|-
| Infatuate
|[[File:SPM Vivian Catch Card.png|center|70px]]
| 4
|
| Blows a kiss to an enemy to confuse it.
*'''Card Type:''' Rare
| N/A
*'''Card Description:''' ''It's Vivian from the last Paper Mario adventure. She was a great friend once she split from her sisters.''
|}
|}


==Stats (when she is an enemy to Mario)==
====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' (Nintendo Switch)====
HP: 10, Attack: 1, Defense: 0
*'''In-game description:''' ''Vivian was one of the Three Shadows but has now chosen to leave her two sisters behind. Press {{button|switch|x}} to hide with Mario in the shadows. When hiding, nobody can find you.''


That's Vivian. She's the youngest of the three Shadow Sirens. She doesn't seem all that noteworthy. Uh... She is kind cute I guess... She might even be cuter than I am... I guess... ...Uh... What am I thinking?
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
====''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''====
{{SSBB sticker
|name=Vivian
|image=[[File:Vivian Sticker.png]]
|game=''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''
|effect=[Energy] - Attack +5
}}


[[Category: Characters]]
====''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''====
[[Category: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Characters]]
{{Spirit
[[Category: Paper Mario Series Party Members]]
|no=98
[[Category: Paper Mario Series Characters]]
|name=Vivian
|image=[[File:PMTTYD Vivian Main Artwork.png|x100px]]
|series=''Paper Mario'' Series
|type=Primary
|slots=1
|class=Advanced
|effects='''{{color|deepskyblue|Shield}}'''<br>Weight ↓
|obtain=[[smashwiki:Spirit Board|Spirit Board]]
|opponents=Clear [[Mr. Game & Watch]]
|conditions=<nowiki/>
*The enemy is invisible
|stage=[[Luigi's Mansion (stage)|Luigi's Mansion]] ([[smashwiki:Battlefield form|Battlefield]])
|song=Paper Mario Medley
}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
PMTTYD Vivian Main Artwork.png|Main artwork
PMTTYD Vivian Alternate Artwork.png|Alternate artwork
Vivian joins Mario.png|Vivian joining Mario's party in Chapter 4
TTYD NS Vivian.png|Artwork for the Nintendo Switch remake of ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''
PMTTYD NS Vivian 2.jpg|Artwork for the Nintendo Switch remake of ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''
PMTTYD NS Boggly Woods.png|Vivian with her sisters in the [[Boggly Woods]] in the [[Nintendo Switch]] remake of ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)|Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''
TTYDNS Vivian Joins for Real.jpg|Vivian rejoining the party in the remake
Vivian8bit.jpg|Vivian's 8-bit sprite appearance in the [[X-Naut Fortress]]
TTYDPartnersHD.png|Photo of the partners from the Nintendo Switch version of ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''
PMTTYDNS concept art characters 5.png|Concept art with several iterations of Vivian, some with eyes showing (demonstrating the spots on her face are her cheeks)
PMTTYDNS Profile Vivian.jpg|Character profile card
Nintendo Magazine Summer 2024 TTYD Relationship Chart.png|Vivian on the Nintendo Magazine for summer 2024, showing a relationship chart featuring many characters from ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''
</gallery>
 
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=ビビアン<ref name="Japanese tmk"/>
|JapR=Bibian
|JapM=Vivian
|Chi=薇薇安<ref>{{cite|quote=这是“薇薇安”哦。|title=''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' (Nintendo Switch)|publisher=Nintendo (Hong Kong)|language=zh-hans}}</ref><ref>{{cite|quote=他是「薇薇安」喔。|title=''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' (Nintendo Switch)|publisher=Nintendo (Hong Kong)|language=zh-hant}}</ref>
|ChiR=Wēiwēi'ān
|ChiM=Vivian
|Dut=Vivian<ref>{{cite|quote=Dat is Vivian, de jongste van de drie Schaduwsirenes.|title=''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' (Nintendo Switch)|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|language=nl}}</ref>
|Fre=Viviane<ref name="French"/>
|FreM=Vivian
|Ger=Barbara<ref>{{cite|quote=Das ist Barbara.|title=''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' (Nintendo Switch)|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|language=de}}</ref>
|GerM=A given name
|Ita=Ombretta<ref name="Italian"/>
|ItaM=A common given name, meaning "little shadow"; shared with [[Twila]] and [[Bogmire]]
|Kor=불비안<ref>{{cite|quote=『불비안』이야|title=''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' (Nintendo Switch)|publisher=Nintendo of Korea|language=ko}}</ref>
|KorR=Bulbian
|KorM=Combination of "불" (''bul'', "fire") and "비비안" (''Bibian'', "Vivian")
|KorN=Her name since ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'' as it appears in her [[Catch Card]].<ref>https://youtu.be/JlIm6dFVQ64?si=H4Ah_1atRUJlEnNf&t=2257</ref>
|Rus=Вивиан
|RusR=Vivian
|RusM=Vivian
|RusN=Her name since ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.
|Spa=Bibiana<ref name="Spanish"/>
|SpaM=Vivian. Also a reference to {{wp|Bibiana Fernández}}, a Spanish trans actress.<ref name="Spanish Name Reference"/>
}}
 
==References==
<references>
<ref name="Japanese tmk">[http://themushroomkingdom.net/pmttyd_j2e.shtml#vivian Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door From Japanese to English]. ''The Mushroom Kingdom''. Retrieved June 13, 2008.</ref>
<ref name="Japanese boggly">
{|class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="display:inline-block;vertical-align:top;"
|colspan=3|nepsaty123 (February 28, 2011). [https://youtu.be/DOHUal4Hw_A?t=45 ペーパーマリオRPGを実況プレイ! part13]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Beldam:
|「ヒッヒッヒッヒィ・・・<br>{{ruby|名|な}}のるほどのものじゃあ ないけど<br>いちおう {{ruby|名|な}}のって おこうかねぇ<br><br>われらは・・・」<br><br>
|"Hee hee hee heeee...<br>It's not even worth giving you our names,<br>but I guess we can.<br><br>We are..."<br><br>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Marilyn:
|「カゲ・・・」<br><br>
|"The Shadow..."<br><br>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Vivian:
|「{{ruby|三|さん}}{{ruby|姉妹|しまい}}っ!!」<br><br>
|"Sisters Three!!"<br><br>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Goombella/Koops:
|「カゲ{{ruby|三|さん}}{{ruby|姉妹|しまい}}っ!?」<br><br>
|"The Shadow Sisters Three!?"<br><br>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Beldam:
|「コラッ! ビビアン!!<br>なに いってんだよ あんた!<br>カゲ{{ruby|三人組|さんにんぐみ}}だろ! {{ruby|三人組|さんにんぐみ}}!!<br><br>どこが {{ruby|三|さん}}{{ruby|姉妹|しまい}}だよ!<br>あんた <span style="color:#ff0000;">オトコ</span>じゃないかい!!!!!!」<br><br>
|"Hey! Vivian!!<br>What do you think you're saying!?<br>We're the Shadow Trio! Trio!!<br><br>Where are there three sisters!?<br>Aren't you <span style="color:red;">male</span>!!!!!!?"<br><br>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Vivian:
|「ゴメンナサイ~ お{{ruby|姉|ねえ}}さま<br>つい・・・」<br><br>
|"I'm sorry, dear sis'.<br>I just..."<br><br>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Beldam:
|「つい・・・ じゃないよ!<br>あとで きっちり<br>オシオキしてやるからね!!」<br><br>
|"You just... nothing!<br>Because after this,<br>I'm absolutely punishing you!!"<br><br>
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Vivian:
|「うぅっ・・・」
|"Sniff..."
|}</ref>
<ref name="Japanese tattle">
{|class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="display:inline-block;vertical-align:top;"
|colspan=3|nepsaty123 (February 28, 2011). [https://youtu.be/DOHUal4Hw_A?t=97 ペーパーマリオRPGを実況プレイ! part13]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Goombella:
|「『ビビアン』よ<br>カゲ{{ruby|三人|さんにん}}{{ruby|組|ぐみ}}の{{ruby|一人|ひとり}}で いちばん{{ruby|下|した}}の{{ruby|妹|いもうと}}<br>・・・じゃなくて {{ruby|弟|おとうと}}ね<br><br>さいだいHPは『10』で<br>こうげき{{ruby|力|りょく}}は『1』 ぼうぎょ{{ruby|力|りょく}}は『0』よ<br>これといった とくちょうは ないみたい<br><br>う~ん・・・<br>それにしても カレって なかなか<br>かわいいわね・・・<br><br>ひょっとしたら あたしよりも<br>かわいいかも・・・<br><br>・・・て<br><br>やだっ・・・<br>あたしったら なにを<br>かんがえているのかしら」
|"That's Vivian.<br>One of the [[Three Shadows]], and the youngest sister<br>...I mean, brother.<br><br>Max HP: 10<br>Attack power: 1, Defense power: 0<br>Seems there's nothing special here<br><br>Umm...<br>nevertheless, 'he' is quite<br>cute, huh...<br><br>Possibly, maybe even<br>cuter than me...<br><br>...that is<br><br>No way...<br>Jeez, I wonder what<br>I was thinking."
|}</ref>
<ref name="Japanese menu">
{|class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="display:inline-block;vertical-align:top;"
|colspan=3|[http://themushroomkingdom.net/pmttyd_j2e.shtml#vivian Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door From Japanese to English]. ''The Mushroom Kingdom''. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Menu text:
|「カゲ三人組の一人だった<br>オンナのコのようで ホントは オトコのコ」
|"Vivian was one of the Shadow Trio.<br>(He's) Actually a boy who appears to be a girl."
|}</ref>
<ref name="Japanese Goom Goom">
{|class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="display:inline-block;vertical-align:top;"
|colspan=3|[[Goom Goom]]'s quest
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Goom Goom:
|「おお! これは かわいい・・・<br>ってキミ・・・ どっちなの?・・・<br>オトコ・・・ だよね・・・<br><br>ようするに オスじゃん!」
|"Oh! This one's cute...<br>but you... which (gender) are you...?<br>You are a male... right...?<br><br>In short, this one is male!"
|}</ref>
<ref name="Japanese SPM">
{|class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="display:inline-block;vertical-align:top;"
|colspan=3|inu651225 (October 23, 2010). [https://youtu.be/DmnG1YznKq0?t=760 スーパーペーパーマリオ 全カード集{ネタばれ注意}]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|Catch card:
|「『ペーパーマリオRPG』に<br>とうじょうした マリオのなかま<br>火の魔法を 使う キュートな オトコのコ<br>カゲ三人組という てきの1人だった」
|"A partner of Mario's who appeared<br>in ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''.<br>A cute boy who uses fire magic,<br>Vivian was one of the enemy group called the Shadow Trio."
|}</ref>
<ref name="French">In the French version, Vivian uses the name "''L'Obscur Trio de Sœurs''" ("The Dark Trio of Sisters"), to which Beldam retorts "''Quoi! Viviane! Qu'est-ce que tu racontes? L'Obscur Trio! Tout court! Où tu vois trois sœurs, toi? Tu es un garçon!!!!!!''" ("What! Vivian! What are you talking about? The Dark Trio! Period! Where do you see three sisters? You're a boy!", with "''garçon''", "boy", being written in red font for extra emphasis). Vivian apologizes and starts to try to argue her case, but Beldam cuts her off and threatens punishment for her words (Vivian says "''Désolée, Marjolène. Enfin...''", "Sorry, Beldam, [but] let's just say...", and Beldam cuts in with "''Il y n'a pas de « enfin »!''", the equivalent to "there is no 'but's"). ~  Frigiel. (August 13, 2012). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5ckCCHr9dk&t=1h17m54s Paper Mario : La Porte Millénaire Let's Play - Episode 4]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved December 28, 2013.</ref>
<ref name="Spanish">In the Spanish version of ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'', during her Tattle for Vivian ("Bibiana" in the localization), Goombella originally uses feminine terms for Vivian ("''la más pequeña''") but then corrects herself and uses the masculine version ("''el más pequeño''") instead: "''¡Es Bibiana! La más pequeña del Trío... Bueno... EL más pequeño [...]''". ~ TheMegajorn. (September 15, 2012). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwwUsQGBjmE&t=12m37s Paper mario la puerta milenaria parte 8 español]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved December 28, 2013.</ref>
<ref name="Italian">In the Italian version, Vivian attempts to introduce the group as the "''tre sorelle ombra''", "Three Shadow Sisters", but Beldam reproaches her, insisting that they are the gender-neutral "Trisdombra", calling her a liar and asking her how they could be described as "three sisters" ("''Ma quante scempiaggini dici, fanfarona di un'Ombretta? Siamo il Trisdombra! Imbecille! Ti sbugiardo davanti a tutti! Spiegami: come facciamo ad essere tre sorelle? Avanti!''"). Vivian admits that Beldam and Marilyn are the real sisters, but says she feels like a woman too and is proud of it ("''Siete due sorelle, è vero... Ma anch'io mi sento una donna e sono fiera di esserlo diventata!''"), which Beldam waves off with the disparaging comment that Vivian probably thinks she's the prettiest too, and deserves to be punished ("''E magari credi anche di essere la più bella, eh? Meriti una punizione!''"), causing Vivian to slump to the ground with a sigh. ~ TheGamerDani. (May 23, 2012). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvJPc9hPwaM&t=14m53s Let's Play Paper Mario:il Portale Millenario parte 14 - Trisdombra e Spirù]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved December 28, 2013</ref>
<ref name="Spanish Name Reference">"When @mantisdeimatica and I were playing our first round to get to know the content and tone of the game, and we reached the part where ビビアン appears and their gender identity is revealed, we immediately looked at each other and said, 'in Spanish, it can only be Bibiana.' Obviously. It was just handed to us on a silver platter, darn..." ("''Cuando @mantisdeimatica y yo estábamos haciendo una primera partida para conocer el contenido y el tono del juego y llegamos a la parte donde aparece ビビアン y se revela su identidad de género, inmediatamente nos miramos y dijimos, "en español solo puede ser Bibiana". Obviamente. Es que estaba servido en bandeja, joert...''")[https://twitter.com/polroc/status/1702660171737059808]. ''Twitter''. Retrieved September 15, 2023.</ref>.
</references>
{{PMTTYD}}
[[de:Barbara]]
[[it:Ombretta (Paper Mario: Il Portale Millenario)]]
[[Category:Siblings]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]
[[Category:Witches]]
[[Category:Fire creatures]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door bosses]]
[[Category:Paper Mario series party members]]
[[Category:Super Mario-kun characters]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl stickers]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate spirits]]

Latest revision as of 14:06, September 26, 2024

Vivian
Vivian
Artwork from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)
First appearance Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)
Latest appearance Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch) (2024)
“I'm with Mario all the way! Today, Sis...I'm going to punish YOU, you hear me?”
Vivian, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Vivian is a major character in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and its Nintendo Switch remake. She originally worked as a member of the villainous Three Shadows alongside her sisters, Beldam and Marilyn. Later, Vivian defects from the Three Shadows and joins Mario as his fifth party member. She is frequently put down by her oldest sister, Beldam, and has had a poor relationship with both her sisters for quite some time when Mario meets her. Although she suffers from an inferiority complex throughout the events of the game, she learns to respect herself as she travels with Mario.

In the Japanese version of the original game, as well as some of its foreign localizations, Vivian is depicted as a transgender woman; however, due to the age rating the localizers were aiming at when translating Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door,[1] the original English version removed this aspect from her character.[2] In the remake, Vivian is consistently portrayed as a transgender woman in both the Japanese script and the revised English localization.[3]

History

Paper Mario series

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Vivian after getting defeated.
Vivian after being defeated

Vivian's first appearance in the game is during the interlude following Chapter 1, during which she and her two sisters are sent by Sir Grodus to ambush Mario in the Boggly Woods. When Mario arrives there, however, he learns that the picture they were to use to identify him was misplaced by Beldam, who is quick to blame Vivian for the loss. Mario is forced to battle the sisters when he comes to claim Flurrie's Necklace, which Vivian had found in the woods. Upon her defeat, she departs with Marilyn and Beldam, leaving the necklace behind. During the battle with Vivian, she can use Fiery Jinx when her HP is low, but when Vivian joins Mario's party, she has to be Super Ranked to learn that ability. Additionally, her Fiery Jinx cannot be Superguarded.

Doopliss (disguised as Mario) and Mario (in shadow) confronting, Vivian aside in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Vivian with the real Mario (as a shadow) facing against Doopliss

After Mario's name and appearance are stolen by Doopliss, Vivian appears in Twilight Town alongside her sisters, who plan to defeat Mario using a Superbombomb. When the weapon turns up missing, however, Vivian is once again blamed and sent to find it. When Mario finds the bomb and returns it to her, it turns out to be broken, but she gives him a kiss to thank him for his help and, after learning of the theft of his identity, resolves to return the favor by helping him, unaware that he is truly Mario. Using her powers, Mario eventually learns Doopliss's real name, and the duo corners him at the top of Creepy Steeple.

As she has to be fought before joining Mario's party members in Chapter 4, Vivian is the only party member with an entry in Mario's Tattle Log. If the player looks through Professor Frankly's trash can after fighting the Three Shadows without tattling them, Vivian's Tattle is found, while Marilyn's and Beldam's are absent. This may foreshadow that Vivian joins the party while Marilyn and Beldam are fought later since only Tattles of one-time enemies are found in the trash. Goombella's field tattle on Vivian is viewable only when Mario first comes across the Three Shadows in Boggly Woods.

Upon learning Mario's identity, Vivian is reluctant to assist in the ensuing battle, though she returns to his side after two turns, having decided that he treats her better than her sisters and is more deserving of her help. Following Doopliss's defeat, Mario stands up for Vivian when she is questioned by his other partners; she ultimately thanks him by handing him the Ruby Star and thus joins Mario's team.

When Mario prepares to leave Rogueport with Princess Peach after having defeated the Shadow Queen, Vivian is about to tell Mario that she has a crush on him, but decides otherwise, saying that she thinks he and Peach will make a good couple. Later, Goombella's email to Mario reveals that Vivian has returned to Beldam and Marilyn, who both have ended their villainous activities and promise to never mistreat Vivian again.

Super Paper Mario

Vivian's plush from Super Paper Mario

An unused sprite of Vivian in Super Paper Mario.
Vivian's unused sprite in Super Paper Mario

In Super Paper Mario, Vivian appears as a Catch Card won by winning the Duel of 100 in the Sammer's Kingdom. Francis also has a Vivian plush doll, and there is a painting of her along with Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Yoshi, Admiral Bobbery, and Ms. Mowz in Mario's house. Like Mario's other past partners, there is unused sprite data for Vivian, suggesting that she was originally going to appear in Super Paper Mario, but was removed during development.

Super Mario-kun

Vivian at the end of her chapter in Super Mario-kun
Vivian kissing Mario in Super Mario-kun

In Super Mario-kun, while many partners accompany Mario during their respective introduction chapters, Vivian appears only after the Twilight Town act is over, in the first chapter of volume 34. She is the sidekick of an X-Naut with the aim of destroying Mario with their arsenal of traps. However, as Vivian is a fan of Mario (she owns gadgets and merchandise of him, collects his trash, and has even read all volumes of the manga itself), she deliberately ruins all of their traps. They first use a simple banana hanging over a hole in the ground, but Vivian jumps in it, and Mario, not noticing her and stepping on her (much to her delight), grabs the banana and walks away.

The two then try to leave a poisonous drink in front of him, but Vivian swaps it with an energy drink. The X-Naut then forces her to enact the next trap, which is tossing a bomb, but the bomb is actually a sphere-shaped bento box. The X-Naut try then to resort to using a tank, but Vivian asks for one last chance, using her Veil ability to follow Mario in his own shadow, but she then returns with an album full of pictures of him. Angered, the X-Naut jumps at Mario armed with a hammer, but Vivian stops him with Shade Fist. This time, Mario take notice of his stalkers, and thanks Vivian for saving his life (making her flustered) and invites her to accompany his party to Rogueport. Even after she reveals she was plotting to take Mario down, Mario does not get angry and forgives her, fueling her admiration for him.

The X-Naut then returns and activates a bomb inside her hat. Not wanting her friends to get hurt, Vivian runs away and apparently perishes in the ensuing explosion, but she then returns unharmed: while running, she tripped and her hat tore, making the bomb inside of it roll at the feet of the X-Naut. Mario rejoices in seeing her alive, and Vivian kisses him. Afterwards, Mario points out that her cheeks are scratchy. She admits that she forgot to shave, which shocks Mario, who thinks she is a man.

Alongside the other friends of the adventures, Vivian is then seen in chapter 5 of volume 35 rooting for Mario and the team via the Crystal Stars during the final battle.

Super Smash Bros. series

In the Super Smash Bros. series, Vivian is featured in a few collectible items. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, there is a sticker of Vivian, and it can be equipped to any fighter in The Subspace Emissary to increase their attack power of energy-related attacks by 5 points. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Vivian is an Advanced-class Shield-type primary spirit. Fighters equipped with the spirit have reduced weight during battles. In the spirit battle, the player faces an invisible Mr. Game & Watch on the Battlefield form of the Luigi's Mansion stage.

General information

Personality

Vivian is best characterized by her shyness. Throughout the game, she is unable to stand up to Beldam and her cruel nature, constantly taking the blame for things that are really Beldam's own fault. She develops herself in Chapter 4 when she decides to join Mario and leave her family after he shows her an act of kindness. In the Palace of Shadow, Vivian gains the confidence to battle Beldam as payback for all the abuse she suffered. She is still loyal to Beldam, though it is mostly out of fear or dislike of getting "punished" by her.

Unlike her sisters, Vivian is caring and kind. She wonders if it is bad to do away with Mario and his partners in Chapter 2, and she is a forgiving person, going back with her sisters in the epilogue (despite all the trouble Beldam caused). She seems to have a fondness for jewelry, because when she finds Flurrie's Necklace, she quickly took it, and was upset when Beldam took it from her. In the original game, due to how much Beldam calls her sisters "lovelies", Vivian refers to the group as the "Shadow Beauties" when introduced, much to Beldam's anger. In the remake, she instead introduces the group as "Shadow Sisters", because it makes her happy when Beldam calls her "sister".

Powers and abilities

Outside of battle, Vivian possesses a similar ability to Lady Bow's ability in Paper Mario. While it functions essentially the same, Vivian pulls Mario into her shadow, allowing the two to hide, unlike Lady Bow, who rendered herself and Mario invisible. This allows Mario and Vivian to get past objects that move over them and avoid sight from enemies and their attacks. In battle, Vivian can also attack with fire-based magic, most notably with her Fiery Jinx, which can burn and pierce the defense of every enemy in the battle. In the Japanese version, while in the ground with Vivian, the player is able to open the pause menu at any time, even when in a cutscene. If the player does this during Vivian's tutorial, the game will soft-lock afterwards.

Gender

In the original Japanese script of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Beldam insults Vivian by calling her 「オトコ」, "a man". In the English localization of the game, Beldam uses gender-neutral insults instead.
In the original Japanese script of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Beldam insults Vivian by calling her 「オトコ」, "a man". In the English localization of the game, Beldam uses gender-neutral insults instead.
In the original Japanese script of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Beldam insults Vivian by calling her 「オトコ」, "a man". In the English localization of the game, Beldam uses gender-neutral insults instead.

In the Japanese Nintendo GameCube version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Vivian is implied to be a transgender woman but is often treated as male. While various other characters and narrative text describe Vivian using masculine terms such as otoko ("man"), and otōto ("little brother"),[4][5][6][7] Vivian initially describes The Three Shadows as san shimai "three sisters",[4] and routinely uses the feminine[8] first-person pronoun atai. Furthermore, she becomes upset when Beldam insults her by referring to her with masculine terms.

In both her party profile in The Thousand-Year Door and her Catch Card in Super Paper Mario, Vivian is referred to using the term 「オトコのコ」, otokonoko; being written in katakana, this should be read as 男の子 ("boy") but could be read as 男の娘 (otokonoko, literally "male daughter", a Japanese-language term that refers to a feminine-presenting or cross-dressing man).[9] However, the latter term was not in any documented use until 2006,[10] two years after the original GameCube release, and the former term is also used in Koops's party description, making it extremely unlikely that the latter interpretation was intended.

In the original English and German localizations of the game, explicit reference to Vivian being transgender is removed, as are instances where peers and flavor text refer to her with masculine terms. Consequently, Beldam's insults are changed to be gender-neutral. However, all other localized versions of the game contain a version closer to the original.[1][11][12][13] The original Italian version more explicitly identifies Vivian as a trans woman; her description as a party member states that "she used to be a man, but now she's a woman and proud of it," a sentiment that she reiterates during her initial appearance.[13][1]

Vivian confirming she is transgender.
In the Nintendo Switch remake, Vivian is explicitly transgender.

In the Nintendo Switch remake, Vivian is treated more overtly as a transgender woman. The Japanese script adds in a line where Vivian says, "I have a boy's body, but my heart is a cute girl's!"[14] Additionally, Vivian's party description is changed from "She looks like a girl, but she's really a boy," to "She has a boy's body, but the heart of a girl."[15] The Japanese script also removes lines that refer to Vivian as a man; for example, Beldam's line 「どこが 三姉妹だよ!あんた オトコじゃないかい!」 ("Where do you see three sisters?! Aren't you a man?!") is replaced with 「三姉妹じゃなく 三人組だって いつも いってるじゃないかい!」 ("I always tell you we're a trio, not three sisters!")[16] Goombella's tattle also no longer refers to her as a man, or mentions her gender at all.[17] The English localization likewise makes it clear that Vivian is transgender, a change from the English release of the GameCube version. Her dialogue now includes a line where she says, "Truth is, it took me a while to realize I was their sister...not their brother."[3][18][19][20] Much like in the Japanese script, Vivian refers to the Three Shadows as the "Three Shadow Sisters", and Beldam corrects her without insulting her appearance,[21] instead making a point of refusing to call her "sister".[22]

Profiles and statistics

Paper Mario series

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

  • In-game description: One of the Shadow Sirens, Vivian suffers from a bit of an inferiority complex. Press X Button to hide with Mario in the shadows. When hiding, nobody can find you.
  • Field Tattle: "This is the youngest sister of the three. The oldest one REALLY picks on her, huh? I don't know whose picture they're talking about, but you think she really lost it?"
  • Player's Guide: Vivian is one of the Shadow Sirens that work for Sir Grodus, but she joins Mario when he shows her an act of kindness. Though she suffers from an inferiority complex, she's perhaps the best partner in the game. Press the X Button to pull Mario into the shadows, where nobody can find him.[23]
Nintendo GameCube
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door enemy
Vivian
Vivian's idle sprite from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Max HP 10 Attack 1 Defense 0
Location(s) Boggly Woods Role Boss Level 26
Sleep? 70% Dizzy? 70% Confuse? 70%
Tiny? 80% Stop? 80% Soft? 95%
Burn? 100% Freeze? 50% Fright? 0%
Gale Force? 0% KO? 0% Moves Shade Fist (1), Fiery Jinx (1 HP to both characters, Piercing)
Exp. points 0 Coins N/A Items None
Tattle Log #:
123
Log One of the Shadow Sirens and Beldam's youngest sister. She's so cute, she's able to infatuate anyone.
Tattle That's Vivian. She's the youngest of the three Shadow Sirens. Max HP is 10, Attack is 1, and Defense is 0. She doesn't seem all that noteworthy. Uh... She is kinda cute, I guess... She might even be cuter than I am... I guess... ...Uh... What am I thinking?
Nintendo Switch
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door enemy
Vivian
Sprite of Vivian from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch) Max HP 10 Attack 1 Defense 0
Location(s) Boggly Woods Role Boss Level 26
Sleep? 70% Dizzy? 70% Confuse? 70%
Tiny? 80% Stop? 80% Soft? 95%
Burn? 100% Freeze? 50% Fright? 0%
Gale Force? 0% KO? 0% Moves Shade Fist (1), Fiery Jinx (1 HP to both characters, Piercing)
Exp. points 0 Coins N/A Items None
Tattle Log #:
130
Log The youngest of the Three Shadows. She's so cute, she's able to infatuate anyone.
Tattle That's Vivian. She's the youngest of the Three Shadows. Max HP is 10, Attack is 1, and Defense is 0. She doesn't seem all that noteworthy. Uh... She is kinda cute, I guess... She might even be cuter than I am... I guess... Wow. I think I might be jealous.


The following are Vivian's attacks and stats:

HP
  • Initial: 15 HP
  • Super Rank: 20 HP
  • Ultra Rank: 30 HP
Attacks
Name FP Needed Effect Action Command Attack Power Move Rank
Shade Fist 0 Sets enemies on fire with a burning punch. After three lights flash, player presses the mystery button shown (A Button,B Button,X Button or Y Button). Initial: 3
Super: 4
Ultra: 5
Initial
Veil 1 Hides Mario in the shadows to avoid enemy attacks. Player presses the 5-button A Button/B Button combo that appears on the screen. N/A Initial
Fiery Jinx 6 Deals fire damage to all enemies, piercing defense. It also burns them. Player presses the 5-button combo of A Button,B Button,X Button, and Y Button that appear on the screen. Super: 5
Ultra: 5
Super Rank
Infatuate 4 Blows a kiss to all enemies to confuse them if effective When a heart appears above an enemy, player presses A Button. N/A Ultra Rank

Super Paper Mario

Catch Card
Vivian
  • Card Type: Rare
  • Card Description: It's Vivian from the last Paper Mario adventure. She was a great friend once she split from her sisters.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)

  • In-game description: Vivian was one of the Three Shadows but has now chosen to leave her two sisters behind. Press X Button to hide with Mario in the shadows. When hiding, nobody can find you.

Super Smash Bros. series

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Sticker
Vivian
A Sticker of Vivian in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Artwork from: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Energy] - Attack +5
Usable by: Anyone

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Spirit
#98 Vivian
Artwork of Vivian from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Series/game Paper Mario Series
Type Primary
Slots 1
Class Advanced
Strength / effect(s) Shield
Weight ↓
How to obtain Spirit Board
Spirit battle Opponent(s) Clear Mr. Game & Watch
Conditions

  • The enemy is invisible
Stage Luigi's Mansion (Battlefield)
Song Paper Mario Medley

Gallery

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ビビアン[2]
Bibian
Vivian
Chinese 薇薇安[24][25]
Wēiwēi'ān
Vivian
Dutch Vivian[26] -
French Viviane[11] Vivian
German Barbara[27] A given name
Italian Ombretta[13] A common given name, meaning "little shadow"; shared with Twila and Bogmire
Korean 불비안[28]
Bulbian
Combination of "불" (bul, "fire") and "비비안" (Bibian, "Vivian") Her name since Super Paper Mario as it appears in her Catch Card.[29]
Russian Вивиан[?]
Vivian
Vivian Her name since Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Spanish Bibiana[12] Vivian. Also a reference to Bibiana Fernández, a Spanish trans actress.[30]

References

  1. ^ a b c Marco, Francesca Di. Revista Tradumàtica. www.fti.uab.es (European Spanish). Archived June 7, 2021, 11:15:28 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door From Japanese to English. The Mushroom Kingdom. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
  3. ^ a b "Truth is, it took me a while to realize I was their sister...not their brother. Now their usual bullying feels heavier."Media:PMTTYD NS Vivian Transgender Confirmed.jpg - Vivian, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)
  4. ^ a b
    nepsaty123 (February 28, 2011). ペーパーマリオRPGを実況プレイ! part13. YouTube. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
    Beldam: 「ヒッヒッヒッヒィ・・・
    のるほどのものじゃあ ないけど
    いちおう のって おこうかねぇ

    われらは・・・」

    "Hee hee hee heeee...
    It's not even worth giving you our names,
    but I guess we can.

    We are..."

    Marilyn: 「カゲ・・・」

    "The Shadow..."

    Vivian: さん姉妹しまいっ!!」

    "Sisters Three!!"

    Goombella/Koops: 「カゲさん姉妹しまいっ!?」

    "The Shadow Sisters Three!?"

    Beldam: 「コラッ! ビビアン!!
    なに いってんだよ あんた!
    カゲ三人組さんにんぐみだろ! 三人組さんにんぐみ!!

    どこが さん姉妹しまいだよ!
    あんた オトコじゃないかい!!!!!!」

    "Hey! Vivian!!
    What do you think you're saying!?
    We're the Shadow Trio! Trio!!

    Where are there three sisters!?
    Aren't you male!!!!!!?"

    Vivian: 「ゴメンナサイ~ おねえさま
    つい・・・」

    "I'm sorry, dear sis'.
    I just..."

    Beldam: 「つい・・・ じゃないよ!
    あとで きっちり
    オシオキしてやるからね!!」

    "You just... nothing!
    Because after this,
    I'm absolutely punishing you!!"

    Vivian: 「うぅっ・・・」 "Sniff..."
  5. ^
    nepsaty123 (February 28, 2011). ペーパーマリオRPGを実況プレイ! part13. YouTube. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
    Goombella: 「『ビビアン』よ
    カゲ三人さんにんぐみ一人ひとりで いちばんしたいもうと
    ・・・じゃなくて おとうと

    さいだいHPは『10』で
    こうげきりょくは『1』 ぼうぎょりょくは『0』よ
    これといった とくちょうは ないみたい

    う~ん・・・
    それにしても カレって なかなか
    かわいいわね・・・

    ひょっとしたら あたしよりも
    かわいいかも・・・

    ・・・て

    やだっ・・・
    あたしったら なにを
    かんがえているのかしら」
    "That's Vivian.
    One of the Three Shadows, and the youngest sister
    ...I mean, brother.

    Max HP: 10
    Attack power: 1, Defense power: 0
    Seems there's nothing special here

    Umm...
    nevertheless, 'he' is quite
    cute, huh...

    Possibly, maybe even
    cuter than me...

    ...that is

    No way...
    Jeez, I wonder what
    I was thinking."
  6. ^
    Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door From Japanese to English. The Mushroom Kingdom. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
    Menu text: 「カゲ三人組の一人だった
    オンナのコのようで ホントは オトコのコ」
    "Vivian was one of the Shadow Trio.
    (He's) Actually a boy who appears to be a girl."
  7. ^
    Goom Goom's quest
    Goom Goom: 「おお! これは かわいい・・・
    ってキミ・・・ どっちなの?・・・
    オトコ・・・ だよね・・・

    ようするに オスじゃん!」
    "Oh! This one's cute...
    but you... which (gender) are you...?
    You are a male... right...?

    In short, this one is male!"
  8. ^ Clyde Mandelin (June 1, 2019). Tricky Translations #4: "I" & "Me" in Japanese. Legends of Localization (English). Retrieved May 28, 2024. (Archived May 28, 2024, 22:15:21 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  9. ^
    inu651225 (October 23, 2010). スーパーペーパーマリオ 全カード集{ネタばれ注意}. YouTube. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
    Catch card: 「『ペーパーマリオRPG』に
    とうじょうした マリオのなかま
    火の魔法を 使う キュートな オトコのコ
    カゲ三人組という てきの1人だった」
    "A partner of Mario's who appeared
    in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
    A cute boy who uses fire magic,
    Vivian was one of the enemy group called the Shadow Trio."
  10. ^ 椿 かすみ (September 2015). 魅せ(られ)た男たち : 《男の娘》一〇年の軌跡. ユリイカ 47 (13) (Japanese). Page 191-198. Retrieved July 1, 2024. (Archived June 6, 2024, 05:27:54 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  11. ^ a b In the French version, Vivian uses the name "L'Obscur Trio de Sœurs" ("The Dark Trio of Sisters"), to which Beldam retorts "Quoi! Viviane! Qu'est-ce que tu racontes? L'Obscur Trio! Tout court! Où tu vois trois sœurs, toi? Tu es un garçon!!!!!!" ("What! Vivian! What are you talking about? The Dark Trio! Period! Where do you see three sisters? You're a boy!", with "garçon", "boy", being written in red font for extra emphasis). Vivian apologizes and starts to try to argue her case, but Beldam cuts her off and threatens punishment for her words (Vivian says "Désolée, Marjolène. Enfin...", "Sorry, Beldam, [but] let's just say...", and Beldam cuts in with "Il y n'a pas de « enfin »!", the equivalent to "there is no 'but's"). ~ Frigiel. (August 13, 2012). Paper Mario : La Porte Millénaire Let's Play - Episode 4. YouTube. Retrieved December 28, 2013.
  12. ^ a b In the Spanish version of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, during her Tattle for Vivian ("Bibiana" in the localization), Goombella originally uses feminine terms for Vivian ("la más pequeña") but then corrects herself and uses the masculine version ("el más pequeño") instead: "¡Es Bibiana! La más pequeña del Trío... Bueno... EL más pequeño [...]". ~ TheMegajorn. (September 15, 2012). Paper mario la puerta milenaria parte 8 español. YouTube. Retrieved December 28, 2013.
  13. ^ a b c In the Italian version, Vivian attempts to introduce the group as the "tre sorelle ombra", "Three Shadow Sisters", but Beldam reproaches her, insisting that they are the gender-neutral "Trisdombra", calling her a liar and asking her how they could be described as "three sisters" ("Ma quante scempiaggini dici, fanfarona di un'Ombretta? Siamo il Trisdombra! Imbecille! Ti sbugiardo davanti a tutti! Spiegami: come facciamo ad essere tre sorelle? Avanti!"). Vivian admits that Beldam and Marilyn are the real sisters, but says she feels like a woman too and is proud of it ("Siete due sorelle, è vero... Ma anch'io mi sento una donna e sono fiera di esserlo diventata!"), which Beldam waves off with the disparaging comment that Vivian probably thinks she's the prettiest too, and deserves to be punished ("E magari credi anche di essere la più bella, eh? Meriti una punizione!"), causing Vivian to slump to the ground with a sigh. ~ TheGamerDani. (May 23, 2012). Let's Play Paper Mario:il Portale Millenario parte 14 - Trisdombra e Spirù. YouTube. Retrieved December 28, 2013
  14. ^ OatmealDome (May 21, 2024). (Paper Mario: TTYD) Here's the original Japanese for this Vivian line. それに じつは アタイ・・・ 体は オトコのコだけど ココロは カワイイ オンナのコなの "The thing is... I... I have a boy's body, but my heart is a cute girl's!" (using feminine first person pronouns). X (English). Retrieved May 21, 2024. (Archived May 22, 2024, 03:24:15 UTC via archive.today.)
  15. ^ OatmealDome (May 21, 2024). (Paper Mario: TTYD) Vivian's Japanese party menu description was updated. GC: "He may look like a girl, but he's actually a boy." (TCRF translation) Switch: "Has a boy's body, but a girl in their heart." This was removed in the English translation on both GC and Switch.. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  16. ^ e3ka33ri (May 22, 2024). ここのセリフ変わっとる!!!!!!!!!GC版だと「あんたオトコじゃないか!」ってマジョリンが言ってたしビビアンは「つい…」としか言ってなかったのに. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  17. ^ OatmealDome (May 21, 2024). Goombella's tattle was also updated to remove all mentions of Vivian's gender in Japanese. Instead, she goes on a little ramble about Vivian being cute and how she might be a bit jealous. This was kept for the English translation.. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  18. ^ Nintendo Life (May 21, 2024). Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Nintendo Switch Review - Is It Worth It?. YouTube. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  19. ^ nintendojam (May 21, 2024). Review: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch. My Nintendo (English). Retrieved May 21, 2024. (Archived May 21, 2024, 18:02:17 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  20. ^ GameXplain (May 21, 2024). Confirmed: Vivian is Trans in the Paper Mario TTYD Remake!. YouTube (English). Retrieved May 21, 2024. (Archived May 21, 2024, 19:59:37 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  21. ^ BeardBear (May 22, 2024). Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Remake - All Bosses (No Damage). YouTube (English). Retrieved May 23, 2024. (Archived May 23, 2024, 09:16:03 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  22. ^ "The might of The Three Shadows—RELATION WITHHELD—will be more than enough to win the day!."Media:PMTTYD NS RELATION WITHHELD.png - Beldam, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch)
  23. ^ Thomason, Steve (October 1, 2004). Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Nintendo Player's Guide. Nintendo of America. ISBN 1-930206-51-8. Page 16.
  24. ^ "这是“薇薇安”哦。" – Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch). Nintendo (Hong Kong) (Simplified Chinese).
  25. ^ 他是「薇薇安」喔。」– Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch). Nintendo (Hong Kong) (Traditional Chinese).
  26. ^ "Dat is Vivian, de jongste van de drie Schaduwsirenes." – Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch). Nintendo of Europe (Dutch).
  27. ^ "Das ist Barbara." – Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch). Nintendo of Europe (German).
  28. ^ "『불비안』이야" – Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo Switch). Nintendo of Korea (Korean).
  29. ^ https://youtu.be/JlIm6dFVQ64?si=H4Ah_1atRUJlEnNf&t=2257
  30. ^ "When @mantisdeimatica and I were playing our first round to get to know the content and tone of the game, and we reached the part where ビビアン appears and their gender identity is revealed, we immediately looked at each other and said, 'in Spanish, it can only be Bibiana.' Obviously. It was just handed to us on a silver platter, darn..." ("Cuando @mantisdeimatica y yo estábamos haciendo una primera partida para conocer el contenido y el tono del juego y llegamos a la parte donde aparece ビビアン y se revela su identidad de género, inmediatamente nos miramos y dijimos, "en español solo puede ser Bibiana". Obviamente. Es que estaba servido en bandeja, joert...")[1]. Twitter. Retrieved September 15, 2023.