Belle (Disney character)

Belle is a fictional character in Disney's Beauty and the Beast franchise. First appearing in the 1991 animated film, Belle is the book-loving daughter of an inventor who yearns for adventure and respite from her mundane village. When her father is imprisoned by a cold-hearted beast, Belle offers her own freedom in exchange for his. Despite his outward appearance, she gradually befriends the Beast, who learns kindness in return.

The character was created by screenwriter Linda Woolverton, who Disney had hired to adapt the "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale into an animated musical about a strong heroine. Influenced by the women's movement, Woolverton committed to writing Belle as a proactive and intelligent character to distinguish her from previous Disney heroines, particularly Ariel from The Little Mermaid (1989). Belle's supervising animators, James Baxter and Mark Henn, drew inspiration from various sources to design a beautiful yet believable heroine, specifically referencing European facial features, ballerinas, and several Classical Hollywood actresses. 500 actresses auditioned for the role before Paige O'Hara was cast due to her Broadway experience and mature-sounding voice.

Belle has received mostly positive reviews from film critics, who praised her bravery, intelligence, and independence. Although she was initially celebrated as a feminist character, reassessments have been more divided, with some critics arguing that her story romanticizes captivity and traditional romantic ideals. The fifth Disney Princess, Belle is often ranked among the franchise's best characters and is credited with influencing a generation of smart, empowered animated heroines. One of Disney's most recognizable characters, she was also the only animated heroine nominated for the American Film Institute's list of greatest film heroes.

Susan Egan was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for originating the role of Belle in Broadway adaptation of the film, and Emma Watson played her in its 2017 live-action remake. In addition to the film's several sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise, iterations of the character have appeared in various media outside of the Beauty and the Beast franchise.