Welcome to the enchanting world of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Released in 1989, this classic animated film captures the hearts and imaginations of both the young and the young at heart. Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, the movie follows the story of Ariel, a curious and adventurous mermaid princess, as she dreams of becoming human and ultimately falls in love with the dashing Prince Eric.
The Little Mermaid holds a special place in Disney history, as it marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance – a golden age for the studio that brought us beloved films like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. Its innovative animation techniques, unforgettable characters, and timeless songs helped revive Disney’s animation division and set the stage for a new era of storytelling.
Quick List of Main Characters:
- Ariel
- Prince Eric
- King Triton
- Ursula
- Sebastian
- Flounder
- Scuttle
Main Little Mermaid Characters
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the depths of Atlantica and meet the iconic cast of characters that make The Little Mermaid such a cherished classic. From Ariel’s lovable sidekicks to the fearsome sea witch Ursula, we’ll explore the personalities, relationships, and unique traits of each character. So, let’s set sail on this underwater adventure and get to know the magical world of Little Mermaid characters!
Ariel: The Mermaid Princess
Ariel, the protagonist of The Little Mermaid, is a vibrant and free-spirited mermaid princess who dreams of exploring the world beyond her underwater kingdom. With her fiery red hair, bright green tail, and enchanting voice, Ariel is as captivating as the treasures she collects from the human world.
Her curiosity and adventurous spirit often lead her to defy her father, King Triton, and venture into uncharted waters. But it’s this same resilience and determination that ultimately help her achieve her dreams.
Prince Eric: The Charming Love Interest
Prince Eric, the dashing and kind-hearted human prince, plays a central role in Ariel’s journey, serving as both her love interest and her connection to the human world. Unlike some other fairy tale princes, Eric is more than just a handsome face.
He’s brave, compassionate, and down-to-earth, qualities that make him the perfect partner for our adventurous mermaid. His dreams of finding true love and his fascination with the sea add depth to his character and create a powerful bond between him and Ariel.
King Triton: The Ruler of Atlantica
King Triton, the powerful ruler of Atlantica and Ariel’s father, has a complex relationship with his youngest daughter. As a loving but overprotective parent, Triton struggles to understand Ariel’s fascination with the human world and fears for her safety.
King Triton’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of his kingdom and his people. As the ruler of Atlantica, he is constantly faced with challenges and threats, including the devious sea witch Ursula.
Ursula: The Sinister Sea Witch
Ursula, the cunning and villainous sea witch, is one of Disney’s iconic villains. With her ominous tentacles and larger-than-life personality, she steals the show as the primary antagonist in The Little Mermaid.
Her motivations are fueled by a desire for control and a thirst for vengeance against Triton. Ursula’s plan to seize control of Atlantica hinges on exploiting Ariel’s desire to become human. The climactic battle between Ursula and the heroes of The Little Mermaid serves as a powerful testament to the strength of love, friendship, and determination.
Sebastian: The Crabby Chaperone
Sebastian, the charismatic and somewhat uptight Caribbean crab, serves as King Triton’s royal advisor and court composer. Tasked with keeping a watchful eye on Ariel, Sebastian finds himself torn between his loyalty to the king and his growing fondness for the adventurous princess.
Despite his initial reluctance, Sebastian becomes a steadfast ally and mentor to Ariel, offering her advice and support throughout her journey. His catchy calypso tunes, like the unforgettable “Under the Sea,” provide a lively soundtrack to the film and showcase his unwavering dedication to his kingdom.
Flounder: The Best Friend
Flounder, a loyal and lovable tropical fish, is Ariel’s best friend and confidant. Despite his timid nature and fear of danger, Flounder is always by Ariel’s side, accompanying her on her daring adventures and offering a comforting fin when she needs it most.
His unwavering friendship and support demonstrate the importance of true companionship, even when facing the unknown. He is one of the most adorable characters in the Disney franchise and became an instant hit amongst young fans.
Scuttle: The Quirky Counsellor
Scuttle, the quirky and eccentric seagull plays the role of Ariel’s unconventional guide to the human world. Though often hilariously misinformed about human objects and customs, Scuttle’s antics and wild imagination provide comic relief and endearing charm to the film.
His role as an unwitting expert on human culture helps fuel Ariel’s fascination with the world above and serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely of friends can offer valuable insights and wisdom.
Other Notable Characters
Grimsby: Prince Eric’s Loyal Advisor
Grimsby is Prince Eric’s loyal advisor and confidant, providing guidance and support throughout the story. A practical and level-headed man, Grimsby often encourages Eric to settle down and find a suitable bride. Despite his initial skepticism about Ariel and her mysterious origins, Grimsby’s primary concern is for Eric’s happiness and well-being, and he eventually comes to accept Ariel as a member of the royal family.
Flotsam and Jetsam: The Cunning Eel Minions
Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula’s cunning and sinister eel minions who serve as her eyes and ears throughout the kingdom. With their eerie glowing eyes and slithering movements, they strike fear into the hearts of those who cross their path.
Loyal to their mistress, Flotsam and Jetsam play a pivotal role in Ursula’s schemes, helping to manipulate Ariel into making the dangerous bargain that sets the story in motion. Their presence adds a chilling layer of menace to the film.
Ariel’s Sisters: The A Team
Ariel’s six older sisters – Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Adella, and Alana – are the daughters of King Triton and members of the Atlantica royal family. Though they play a smaller role in the story, their presence highlights the vibrant and diverse world of Atlantica, as well as the expectations and responsibilities that come with being a princess.
Each sister has her own distinct personality and style, showcasing the depth and richness of the underwater kingdom they call home.
Seahorse: King Triton’s Royal Herald
The Seahorse serves as King Triton’s royal herald, announcing the monarch’s arrival and making important proclamations throughout Atlantica. Although the Seahorse has a small role in the film, its presence adds a touch of whimsy and regality to the underwater kingdom. With its delicate features and dignified demeanor, the Seahorse helps to underscore the grandeur and formality of Atlantica’s royal court.
Carlotta: Warm-Hearted Housekeeper
Carlotta is the warm-hearted and motherly housekeeper in Prince Eric’s castle. After Ariel is transformed into a human, Carlotta takes her under her wing, providing her with care and support despite her inability to speak. Her kindness and understanding help to ease Ariel’s transition into the human world and create a sense of home and comfort for the young mermaid. Carlotta’s character demonstrates the importance of compassion and empathy, even when faced with someone who may seem strange or different.
Little Mermaid’s Impact on Disney’s Character Design
The characters of The Little Mermaid had a significant impact on the design and development of future Disney movies. Ariel, for instance, broke the mold of the traditional Disney princess, bringing a new sense of independence, curiosity, and agency to the role. This shift paved the way for more complex and relatable heroines in later films, such as Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Mulan from Mulan. Additionally, the film’s memorable villain, Ursula, set the standard for future Disney antagonists, blending a captivating mix of charm, menace, and charisma.
The lively and distinct side characters, like Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle, further contributed to the evolution of Disney’s character design. Their personalities, humor, and dynamic relationships with the main characters have influenced the creation of beloved sidekicks in subsequent Disney films, such as Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King or Lumière and Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast.
Little Mermaid Recap
In this article, we explored the captivating and diverse cast of characters in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. From the adventurous and curious Ariel to the charming and dedicated Prince Eric, the film boasts a variety of memorable and well-developed figures that have captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Alongside the main characters, the movie also features a host of delightful side characters, like the wise and protective Sebastian, the loyal and timid Flounder, and the eccentric and endearing Scuttle. Not to be forgotten, King Triton’s struggle between his role as a father and a ruler, Ursula’s menacing presence, and the lively personalities of Ariel’s sisters all contribute to the film’s enduring appeal.
Love, Adventure, and Self-discovery
At its core, The Little Mermaid is a story of love, adventure, and self-discovery. Through Ariel’s journey to find her place in the world and her pursuit of true love, the film teaches valuable lessons about the importance of embracing our differences, following our dreams, and staying true to ourselves. The characters in The Little Mermaid not only bring the story to life but also embody these timeless messages, ensuring the film’s enduring legacy as a beloved Disney classic.
If you love exploring the world of Disney characters, don’t miss our list of Disney Princess Characters and the most popular Redhead Disney Characters that have made their mark on the Disney universe including Ariel herself.
