Belle

Main article: Belle (Disney)

Belle is the fifth Disney Princess, first introduced in Walt Disney Picture's thirtieth animated feature film Beauty and the Beast (1991). Based on the heroine of the French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont, Belle was created by screenwriter Linda Woolverton^[9] and originally animated by James Baxter^[10] and Mark Henn.^[11] Originally voiced by Paige O'Hara, Belle is currently voiced by Julie Nathanson.

Frustrated with her provincial village life, book-loving Belle longs for adventure. When her father Maurice is imprisoned by a hideous beast, Belle sacrifices her own freedom in return for his. At first frightened by the Beast's physical appearance and repulsed by his selfishness, Belle learns to appreciate him after he rescues her from a pack of hungry wolves, expressing her gratitude by tending to his wounds. While the Beast's love for Belle gradually results in him adapting a more friendly and civil manner, Belle befriends him, eventually managing to fall in love with him by the time the last petal falls off an enchanted rose, which ultimately breaks a spell cast on him and transforms him back into a handsome prince.

Personality-wise, Belle has been regarded as an independent,^[12] intelligent,^[13] courageous^[14] and headstrong,^[15] as well as a feminist.^[16] The character has been universally lauded by critics, garnering specific praise and recognition for her intelligence and bravery. The Los Angeles Times hailed Belle as one of the Disney Princesses responsible for "break[ing] the bonds of convention".^[17] The Globe and Mail praised the character, complimenting her intellect and labeling her the "main attraction of Beauty and the Beast".^[18] Entertainment Weekly highlighted the character's independence, calling her "the hero" of the film and accrediting her with making Beauty and the Beast the best Disney Princess film.^[19] The Washington Post described Belle as "more mature, more womanly and less blandly asexual" than previous Disney heroines.^[20] The American Film Institute nominated Belle for its list of 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains.^[21] Belle remains the best-received Disney Princess to-date.