
Donkey
Appears In
ShrekSpecies
Talking donkey
First Appearance
Shrek (2001)
Occupation
Sidekick, adventurer
Creator
DreamWorks Animation
Overview
Origin Story
Donkey was a regular donkey living with an old woman who tried to sell him to Lord Farquaad's guards because he could talk. He escaped and ran into Shrek, who scared off the guards. Donkey latched onto Shrek, declaring them best friends and moving into his swamp.
Personality
Donkey is extremely talkative, hyperactive, and optimistic. He is loyal to a fault but often oblivious to social cues, barging into personal space. He loves to sing, make jokes, and chatter incessantly. Despite his annoying tendencies, he has a warm heart and deep emotional intelligence, often helping Shrek confront his feelings.
Story Arc
In the first film, Donkey helps Shrek rescue Princess Fiona and forms an unlikely friendship with Dragon. In Shrek 2, he becomes part of Shrek's family and develops a rivalry with Puss in Boots. In Shrek the Third, he helps find the heir to the kingdom and becomes a father to the Dronkeys. In Shrek Forever After, an alternate timeline shows how crucial he is to Shrek's life. Across the series, he evolves from a lonely wanderer to a beloved member of an unconventional family.
Powers & Abilities
Talking and sentience
Musical talent (singing and rhythm)
Charm and persuasion (able to charm Dragon)
Endurance and resilience
Bravery bordering on recklessness
Meta-awareness and genre-savviness
Relationships

Shrek
FriendBest friend and sidekick; Donkey's persistence and optimism help Shrek open up emotionally.
Dragon
Love InterestDragon is Donkey's wife; he charmed her while rescuing Fiona, and they have a loving inter-species relationship.
Princess Fiona
FriendDonkey is a close friend and often mediates between Fiona and Shrek.
Puss in Boots
RivalFriendly rival; they bicker constantly but work together as part of Shrek's team.
Lord Farquaad
EnemyDonkey mocks and opposes Farquaad's plans.
Fairy Godmother
EnemyDonkey helps thwart her schemes in Shrek 2.
Rumpelstiltskin
EnemyIn Shrek Forever After, Donkey helps Shrek undo Rumpelstiltskin's contract.
Memorable Quotes
“We can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning, I'm making waffles!”
“You might have seen a housefly, maybe even a super fly, but I bet you ain't never seen a donkey fly!”
“You know what ELSE everybody likes? Parfaits! Have you ever met a person, you say, 'Let's get some parfait,' they say, 'Hell no, I don't like no parfait'?”
“You gotta let her know how you feel.”
Portrayed By
Key Appearances
Shrek
Shrek (2001)
Shrek 2 (2004)
Shrek the Third (2007)
Shrek Forever After (2010)
Shrek 4-D (2003)
Donkey's Christmas Shrektacular (2010)
Donkey's Caroling Christmas-tacular (2010)
Reception & Legacy
Donkey is one of the most beloved characters in the Shrek franchise, often cited as the most entertaining part of the first film. Eddie Murphy's performance revitalized his career and blended stand-up humor with heartfelt characterization. Donkey has become a staple of internet memes and quotes, reinforcing his enduring cultural impact.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Donkey's visual design was inspired by a real Jerusalem donkey named Perry, who lived in Palo Alto, California.
Eddie Murphy was attached to voice Donkey from early development, even before Shrek was recast after Chris Farley's death.
Donkey's personality deliberately subverts the stubborn donkey stereotype; he is hyperactive and emotionally expressive.
His musical numbers often reference contemporary pop songs, helping define Shrek's modern, ironic tone.
Eddie Murphy has confirmed he will reprise the role in the upcoming Shrek 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Donkey in Shrek?
Does Donkey die in Shrek?
Who plays Donkey?
Is Donkey a villain?
Who does Donkey end up with?
Keywords
Sources
Character Info
- Species
- Talking donkey
- First appearance
- Shrek (2001)
- Voice actor
- Eddie Murphy
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