The Birth: Another one of the original lot of Batman villains which were created by Bob Kane, the Penguin first appeared on the scene in Detective Comics #58 of December, 1941.
Belief has it that he was abandoned as a baby by his parents because of his odd appearance, one of his distinguishing characteristics, is a flapper (much like a penguin) instead of his hand. Apparently, he grew up in the sewers.

The Alter Ego: The Penguin's real name is Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot. He's cool with his appearance and does not care what others feel 'bout him. Though he has been forever riduculed for his short stature and odd appearance, he has groomed himself to at least try to act like a gentleman. He can always be seen in his tuxedo and carrying his ever-present umbrella; which was perhaps needed by him in the watery depths of the sewers. The Penguin has a suprising love for birds, and is also obsessed with the trappings of polite society; several times trying to become the mayor or become a limelight personality. Of course, each time he ventured into such realms, he always backed himself with a sneaky, illegal plan to put himself on the top.

The Legend: The Penguin has his roots in Gotham City, right from his family tree and his childhood to his career in crime. Every time he has taken a step ahead in the wrong direction, he has been set back several steps by the Batman, making Bats his main enemy.
A notorious and brilliant criminal strategist with a considerable intellect, he has been able to hold his position as crime boss and continue his operations in Gotham, ofcourse, Arkham Asylym comes with the territory, a mere hardship he must encounter.
He employs numerous umbrellas containing hidden tools or weapons and often uses birds of prey to help carry out his schemes. For one so vertically challenged he has surprising agility and hand-to-hand combat skills.
The Penguin is firstly; a villian and secondly a businessman. He calculates schemes which could hide beneath the tent of business. The Penguin recently clawed his way to the pinnacle of the Gotham underworld, retiring for the most part from day-to-day crime. From his secluded offices, he now controls casinos, drug traffic, politics, and other illegal activities throughout Gotham City.