Belle (Disney character)

Belle
Beauty and the Beast character
A promotional image of Belle
First appearance	Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Created by	Linda Woolverton
Based on	Beauty by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
Designed by	James Baxter (supervising animator) Mark Henn (supervising animator)
Voiced by	Paige O'Hara Julie Nathanson (2011–present) Jodi Benson (House of Mouse)
Portrayed by	Susan Egan (1994 musical) Lynsey McLeod (1995–1997 TV series), and (1999 film) Keegan Connor Tracy (Descendants) Emma Watson (2017 film) H.E.R. (Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration)
In-universe information
Affiliation	Disney Princesses
Family	Maurice (father)
Significant other	Beast
Nationality	French

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 eccentric inventor who yearns for adventure and reprieve from her mundane village existence. 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 and compassion 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. Determined to create a proactive, intelligent female character, Woolverton drew inspiration from the women's movement and actress Katharine Hepburn's portrayal of Jo March in the film Little Women (1933). Some story artists challenged Woolverton's vision for a more empowered character, despite the filmmakers' overall commitment to modernizing Belle and distinguishing 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, Impressionist paintings and performances of ballerinas, and several Classical Hollywood actresses. 500 actresses auditioned for the role before Paige O'Hara was cast due to her mature-sounding voice and Broadway experience.

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.

Actress 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 actress 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.