Character Analysis | Ariel, The Little Mermaid

There are several iconic characters that remain an integral part of storytelling for generations. Everyone has a favorite story, but not everyone chooses to take their favorite story and rewrite it as something completely different.

When a story is well-loved and well-received, each reader has the potential to make changes to better reflect their preferences and thus create something new for people to enjoy.

One such character is the protagonist from The Little Mermaid, a desperate princess who wants to be a part of the human world. Whether the story involves her drive to marry a man she just met or to be a part of the world above, The Little Mermaid has been retold over and over with adaptations that develop new layers to her character.

The Original Little Mermaid - Hans Christian Andersen

In the original tale, Hans Christian Andersen presents the little mermaid as a young, naive, and vulnerable character with a longing to see the surface. This ambition precedes meeting the prince by several years, showing her dedication and adoration. The prince, while an object of her affection, is not the deciding factor for her decision.

Her relationship with the prince is much more morbid in the original tale, painting her as a woman scorned. She sacrifices everything she has—her family, her tail, her tongue, and her longevity—for a man who entertains her until he finds someone he believes is better.

This version of the little mermaid is selfless, for the most part, dreaming of obtaining a human soul that will let her experience what it is truly like to live. When offered the chance to return home, she takes it, though ultimately she cannot commit an act of cruelty to save herself. She returns to the sea, and depending on the rendition, the clouds, where she will earn her soul yet.

This little mermaid is driven and determined to achieve her goals, though willing to set them aside for another. She is self-sacrificing.

The Classic Ariel - Jodie Benson

Undoubtedly the most iconic representation of Ariel, Jodie Benson first brought life to The Little Mermaid character. Her young and naive portrayal is endearing and captivating as she pursues her desperate desire to be a part of the human world. She is bold and reckless, but determined to prove herself.

She relies heavily on others to help her, though her personality alone is enough to carry her. Despite the lack of a voice for most of the film, Jodie’s adorable and admirable portrayal carries through the voiceless moments. Her depiction of Ariel is shown in the scenes on land where the little mermaid is thrilled to be a part of the human world at last.

Confronting Ursula forces her to own her actions, facing off against the Sea Witch who ensured her from the beginning. Ariel’s love for Eric prevails as she takes the damsel in distress role, being rescued by her prince and longing for the day she can join him again.

This version of Ariel is iconic, as shown by her victory dress of shimmering water, which displays her best qualities and idealizes her reckless nature as headstrong. She is passionate.

The Broadway Ariel - Sierra Burgess

Sierra Burgess is a dream, portraying Ariel as an epic fantasy where anything is possible. Her voice is heavenly and sweet, and while you wouldn’t believe that she’s the feisty sixteen-year-old that Jodie Benson plays, she takes on the character well and makes her very own little mermaid with a strong spirit and dreams that can’t be crushed in the undertow.

The elegant Broadway style of music carries her well, highlighting her strengths and giving her voice a haunting beauty and hope that you can’t help but join with. Her voice beckons to the depths of your soul, pleading for a chance to achieve her dreams.

The Broadway rendition allows for a glimpse inside Ariel’s emotions as she spends more time with Eric, and her angelic voice reveals her gentle nature and yearning demeanor. She longs to be not only human, but to be loved for who she is. She brings a new hope to the character, delving deeper into the damsel who desperately wants to be seen by the man she loves and accepted in the world she adores. She is hopeful.

Anniversary Ariel - Auli’i Cravalho

Auli’i has those iconic doe eyes and a sweet voice to match. Her optimistic and youthful tone carry her performance, though at times she appears less than excited about the human world. She shows a more rebellious side of Ariel–one that is determined to get what she wants, regardless of the consequences. Instead of a tale of love and adventure, this Ariel seeks independence on her own terms.

Her bubbly nature makes her easy to like, but difficult to love once her mind is set. She acknowledges that the world around her is colorful and wonderful, but it’s not for her. She leaves to find a future that suits her better, and so this little mermaid is best for women who want something else out of life–the ones who want to see the human world for themselves and determine the course of their lives.

The music doesn’t support her as well as it could, and her interactions are limited, making her seem aloof and more distant than other Ariel’s before and after, but it adds to the differences that make her unique. She is determined.

Live-Action Ariel - Halle Bailey

Considerably one of the best little mermaids to swim on screen, Halle Bailey’s voice carries the spirit of Ariel and the longing to be part of a world all but forbidden to her. Her reactions may not be as expressive as her animated counterpart, or as exaggerated as her Broadway counterpart, but her performance is nonetheless excellent.

She exceeds expectations with the traditional story beats, giving the little mermaid more of an independent voice as opposed to previous incarnations that rely on side characters to be the voice of reason. Additionally, her grab for independence leads her to take initiative and responsibility for her actions.

Her desire to be a part of the human world stems from more than just her feelings for Eric, though he is a driving component. The dreams she has for walking on land are amplified by the feeling that home is no longer home to her, and finding a new adventure with the prince seems like a better alternative than being trapped under the sea.

The unique music composed for Halle Bailey compliments her voice and her character well. These quickly became iconic, and the second reprise for Part of Your World highlights the crushing defeat Ariel feels when the sun sets on the third day. She takes matters into her own hands and refuses to accept defeat, no longer a damsel in distress as she takes control of the narrative. She is unstoppable.

Final Thoughts On Ariel

Every version of The Little Mermaid has something to offer, going all the way back to the original fairytale that the classic animated film was based on. The little mermaid herself has many facets to her character, and each incarnation of her reveals another side, another story, and another depth to the fathoms of the tale that has captured so many hearts.

While not every Ariel will be a crowd-pleaser, each one has different strengths that unite them under the title of The Little Mermaid, paying tribute to the original that gave them the courage to try in the first place.