Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel) is a fictional character created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, and first appeared in Batman: The Animated Series in September 1992. She later appeared in DC Comics' Batman comic books, with the character's first comic book appearance in The Batman Adventures #12 (September 1993). The character is also referred to by such epithets as the Cupid of Crime and the Maiden of Mischief.
Harley Quinn is a frequent accomplice and lover of the Joker, whom she met while working as an intern psychologist at Gotham City's Arkham Asylum, where the Joker was a patient. Her name is a play on the name "Harlequin," a character which originated in commedia dell'arte. The character has teamed up with fellow villains the Catwoman and Poison Ivy several times, the trio being known as the Gotham City Sirens. Poison Ivy is a close friend and recurring ally of Harley, even being depicted as her girlfriend in recent comics. Since The New 52, she is now depicted as an antihero who left her abusive relationship with the Joker and her past as a supervillain behind. However, she is still depicted as a supervillain in other media. Harley Quinn has also been depicted as a recurring core member of the Suicide Squad.