| Dora the Explorer is the Hispanic title character in an | | | | oppose them. Dora's rather benign enemy is Swiper, |
| animated cartoon for children. Dora made her | | | | who does his best to swipe the objects Dora needs |
| premiere in 1999 on Nickelodeon, and by the year | | | | to find to complete her quest. (hence his name). |
| 2000 her show had become a network staple. In | | | | Swiper is portrayed as more annoying than evil and |
| 2005, she became the first Hispanic character balloon | | | | can sometimes be talked into returning stolen items |
| to grace the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. | | | | or even performing a helpful act like rescuing a |
| Dora is a cheerful, enthusiastic child with a wide circle | | | | puppy. |
| of friends and a close, loving family. Each episode | | | | The animation is bright, and the simple plotlines and |
| finds her character embarking on a mission to do a | | | | catchy tunes are designed to delight children (and |
| good deed or to help a friend. The mission usually | | | | their parents) while passing along important messages |
| consists of Dora going to three specific locations | | | | about appreciating different cultures, valuing friends |
| where she must find things or complete certain tasks. | | | | and family, and being willing to work to reach a goal. |
| Sometimes Dora requests help from the audience to | | | | Dora is quite popular in with children in the United |
| locate missing objects or to handle a situation. | | | | States. She has also become world famous. Dora the |
| Needless to say, all of her adventures end in success. | | | | Explorer is broadcast in countries from China to |
| At the end of each show, Dora and her supporters | | | | Greece to Spain. There is even a Hebrew version. |
| celebrate their victory and encourage the people | | | | Dora the Explorer is frequently seen on merchandise |
| watching the show to think about their favorite part | | | | as well. Her face graces backpacks, shirts, jackets, |
| of the day's adventure. | | | | shoes, hats, and jewelry. She is also the star of |
| Dora is usually accompanied by her best friend Boots, | | | | multiple video games including Backpack Adventure, |
| a monkey. She is also aided in her quest by her magic | | | | Super Spies, and Dora the Explorer's World |
| purple backpack and her wise geography-savvy | | | | Adventure. Unfortunately, many Dora-themed toys |
| singing map. Other minor characters often put in | | | | are manufactured in China and were affected by the |
| helpful appearances as well. | | | | lead-based paint recall. |
| All heroines, of course, must have an enemy to | | | | |