Private is the youngest member of the penguin team in Penguins of Madagascar.
The group consists of Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private. Skipper acts as the commander, Kowalski usually supplies plans and analysis, and Rico is known for swallowing and regurgitating useful objects. Private is the junior member and often provides the team's most openly compassionate perspective.
The penguins first appeared as supporting characters in the 2005 film Madagascar. Their popularity led to the television series The Penguins of Madagascar and later the feature film Penguins of Madagascar, released in 2014.
The name Private is a military rank, matching the squad's commandos-and-missions theme. It is not a personal name shared with another character. The penguins' military-style roles are a recurring comedy device across the Madagascar franchise.