Sorry for going off topic, but I'm going to disagree. Ariel may have been independent, but she was not a heroine like Belle and Jasmine. In fact, I would go so far as to classify Ariel as The Little Mermaid's main villain. She was born to a rich and powerful, albeit benevolent king, who also happened to be a loving and caring father. She has never worked a day in her life, and everything she has has been provided for her. Not only that, but everybody from King Triton down to Sebastian is working tirelessly to ensure her safety, welfare and happiness. But does Ariel care? No! Her attitude is best summised by her own song, "Part of their/your (I can never remember which one it is) world." She begins by singing about all of the wonderful things she has, then goes on to say "No big deal. I WANT MORE!"

She then proceeds to give the metaphorical middle finger to everyone who has worked so hard for her benefit. She disobeys her father's instructions, runs away from home, consults with a powerful witch who has a grudge against the palace, and ultimately puts the lives of the people she loves in mortal peril, all in pursuit of her own selfish desires. Ariel a hero? I think not! She was simply a greedy, self-centered, spoiled brat.

[/rant]