We all know Ariel isn't really the most favorable 迪士尼 Princess. Albeit all her adoring fans, there's also a tremendous amount of hate to come with that. There's no need to explain why to both, many 粉丝 already established that, so why bring it up again?

Yes, the character hate is understandable...at least to a point. Up until the flaws have overshadowed the good in Ariel, 或者 have been somewhat exaggerated.

So here're a few traits Ariel have, but seem to always go unnoticed

Ariel's caring nature

While this may seem a bit dubious, Ariel really does care. And it's a trait highlighted on her relationship with Eric. It started off with her being so drawn to his looks but then 你 can see that Ariel genuinely cares for the guy, she's so concerned for his well-being that she's willing to risk her own safety for it. She stayed all throughout the storm ordeal to see if anyone needed help. "Eric, look out!" "You need to get out of here!" The following 语录 make the it seem obvious in general. The only time this wasn't shown was when Eric got blasted out to the water and Ariel is seen holding her ground onto a rock. The concern can be heard from her voice but she does no action at all to try and save him...or was she about to, right before Ursula strikes at her? I'm not entirely sure so it's a case to be set aside for now.
Vanessa's presence also makes me wonder why Ariel didn't stop the wedding, was it because she thought Eric was happy? (Though it's most likely because she thought she didn't have a chance) That maybe it's for the best?
And in the scene where her father confronts her about saving a human. The fact that she 说 "He would've died" before "I 爱情 him!" is reason enough to prove that she does care, and her 爱情 isn't a selfish 或者 lustful one at all. (But this brings up another question, would she save another person, even if it wasn't Eric?)

比目鱼 and Sebastian make it evident as well. They 加入 all the trouble she gets herself in, she in turn looks out for them (also what both are doing to her).

Ariel's friendliness

Instead of treating Scuttle only as an informer, Ariel had made an effort to befriend him. Despite the stupidity Scuttle shows Ariel still treats him nicely (maybe because she doesn't know) and gives respect towards him.
比目鱼 is clearly her best friend. She's playful towards him and completely adores him. She's appreciative towards Flounder's gift, giving thanks right before she goes on with make believe. And, as mentioned above, she looks out for him. She has to, of course, since she's the one who's putting him in trouble. But, nonetheless, I still consider it a friendly gesture.

Ariel's gratefulness

When all is well and happy. Ariel does not simply run off with her prince. She stops and thanks all those who've helped her achieve her goal.

The moment she had with Triton, how she 说 "I 爱情 you, Daddy." in a sincere and soft tone was a touching one, memorable scene.

She looks before she leaps, for once, but still she leaps

Ariel was aware of what she will lose but even for a slim chance, she'll take the risk. This action is something very few of us are actually willing to take, and that's what I found admirable about Ariel.

Ariel's Independence

你 can see firsthand in the Shipwreck scene that she can take care of herself, and others as well. But it was her willingness to face a sermon with her father and Sebastian. It showed that she was willing to face the consequences of her actions and take full credit for it. Maybe if, 比目鱼 never mentioned their encounter with Scuttle, it would've been tolerable for Ariel

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I can't deny her faults, and many people say she has the most over all the other 迪士尼 Princesses. But that's what exactly made her work. It's all about the little things with Ariel and if we combine all that, they make one big goodness out of her.