Do we like them?

Do we like Map?

A character from Dora the Explorer (2000–2019)

Our score: 9 out of 10. Yes, we'd back him. He's always up for a quest, his directions are always right, and he's never once been lost. A reliable, upbeat friend.

Map is one of the core helpers in Dora the Explorer, the Nick Jr. series that began in 2000. Dora is a young girl who goes on adventures and asks the viewers at home to help her. Map lives in Backpack's side pocket. He pops out whenever she has a destination to reach and a problem to solve.

His routine is part of the show's pattern. He sings his theme song and names the three places Dora must pass through. Dora and the audience repeat them back, and he guides the group from stop to stop. He's described as a funny, bouncy, rolled-up map who is kind and smart, and he's very good at his one job. He appears in nearly every episode.

Why a 9? He's a patient, encouraging guide who never leads anyone astray. He's got no dark side, no schemes and no ego, and he stays upbeat even when Swiper is lurking nearby. He loses a point only because he's more of a signpost than a person. He shows the way and leaves the heroics to Dora and Boots, but he'd still be the first one we'd pack.