I think she's an interesting character, and I like her, but I don't think she does anything role-model-worthy. Taking responsibility at THE END of the movie for something she obviously did wrong does not make her a good role model, in my opinion, nor does not having a love interest.

Well, yes and no. She's irresponsible and rebellious. These aren't very good traits for little girls to look up too. But at the same time, she's independent and proactive. She's confident, brave, and she's a strong young lady. She's not just another "damsel in distress" that constantly needs saving. Her dreams don't involve a prince sweeping her off her feet. She's ready to set off on her next adventure with her bow at the ready. I think girls can look at her and say "I want to be like her". She's a strong, brave princess.

And IMO, you can look up to her for not having a love interest . Some people are not interested in that sort of thing.

I agree with rhythmicmagic.

Yes and no, indeed. She's supposed to obviously NOT be a good one in the beginning. I think what she did is a very role model-y thing to do but her story is better to learn from, not copy, like Ariel's.

She's not bad but not good either. anonheart998 actually Merida is another damsel in distress, I love her but she is. She constantly has to be saved by her mother and even her brothers.

I like her, but I don't think she's a good role-model. She's rebellious, immature and disobedient.

Shes change. She was way more mature at the end and take responsibility for her mistake. For me she's always will be better role model fo children, because for me someone who is not "good" at the beginning" and than change, will always be better role model than someone who was pure good all the time.

I'm all for the concept of changing, or making mistakes and then fixing them. But someone who needs a whole movie to understand that trying to change the personality of your own mother is WRONG, even after she got turned into a bear because of YOUR sneaky plan is NOT a good role model. A lot has been said about Ariel, but as least she couldn't know that her actions would lead Triton into a trap. Merida deliberately poisons her mother and actually acts gleeful when she is in pain. I don't care if she accepts her guilt later on, there is simply something deeply wrong with having no compassion for your own, loving mother.

yes, she's a pioneer

She makes mistakes and learn to be a better person, but I don't think she was supposed to be a role model.