This one is probably a no-brainer, because her name and picture is already splashed around this site - Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I know she's a very popular choice but I suppose that's for a reason. One of the things I love about Belle is that she is beautiful - the town beauty, in fact - but she seems completely unaware of it. Outer beauty is definitely not a concern for Belle, and I find this to be a wonderful character trait. She is pursued by the outwardly-handsome but shallow Gaston, but he holds absolutely no appeal for her. Instead, she falls in love with the Beast, because she is able to disregard his appearance and see through to the kindness within him. It probably sounds a bit preachy, but what a fantastic message this promotes in a society that is overruled by physical appearance.
There are so many beautiful moments in the film that involve Belle. The part in the opening song when she sits on the fountain and sings about her new book never fails to give me goosebumps, as well as the reprise of 'Belle'. And who isn't even slightly affected when she appears on the staircase in 'that' dress! I think my personal favourite scene, however, would have to be when the Beast gives her the library - absolutely magic.
As a child, I immediately attached to Belle. Maybe it was because her movie was the first film I saw at the cinemas, maybe it was because I saw a bit of her in my own brown hair and hazel eyes. I also loved the fact that she loved reading, being a bit of a bookworm myself. Even today, I consider her to be 'my' Disney princess. Earlier in the year, I auditioned for a production of the musical Beauty and the Beast, and to my absolute delight and surprise, I got the role of Belle. We've been rehearsing for a few months now, and it really is a bit of a dream come true to be playing the character that I admired so much as a child. Also, it is an incredible role to sing!
- Belle
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