Donkey is Shrek’s talkative donkey companion in the Shrek franchise.
Eddie Murphy voices Donkey in the films, giving the character rapid-fire jokes, optimism, and an unusually strong singing voice. Donkey first meets Shrek when he escapes from villagers who are attempting to sell or capture him.
Although Shrek initially wants to be left alone, Donkey follows him and becomes his closest friend. Their contrasting personalities drive much of the first film: Shrek prefers solitude, while Donkey constantly seeks conversation and companionship.
Donkey also develops a romantic relationship with Dragon, a giant female dragon guarding Princess Fiona’s castle. Their relationship produces the “Dronkeys,” introduced in Shrek 2. Donkey later becomes a central member of Shrek’s wider group, appearing alongside Fiona, Puss in Boots, and other fairy-tale characters.