The Little Mermaid

Main Characters and Their Development

• The Little Mermaid: The main character of the tale, the youngest daughter of the sea king. She dreams of becoming human and gaining an immortal soul. For her love for the prince, she is willing to sacrifice her voice and suffer, but ultimately she does not achieve her goal and turns into sea foam. However, due to her selflessness and kindness, she is given a chance to gain an immortal soul by becoming a daughter of the air.
• The Prince: A young man whom the Little Mermaid falls in love with. He saves her when she becomes human, but he does not know that she was the one who saved him from drowning. The prince marries another girl, believing she was his savior.
• The Sea Witch: A powerful sorceress who lives at the bottom of the sea. She helps the Little Mermaid become human but takes her voice in return and warns her of the suffering that awaits her.
• The Sea King: The Little Mermaid's father, ruler of the underwater kingdom. He cares for his daughters and tries to protect the Little Mermaid from the dangers associated with her dream of becoming human.
• The Little Mermaid's Sisters: The Little Mermaid's older sisters, who support her and try to help when she becomes human. They give their hair to the sea witch in exchange for a knife that could save the Little Mermaid.