Belle:
* The Protagonist: The story is told from her perspective, and she drives the plot.
* Her Moral Compass: She represents compassion, intelligence, and the power of love to overcome prejudice.
* She Changes the Beast: Her kindness and love are crucial to his transformation.
The Beast:
* His Transformation: He undergoes the most significant change, symbolizing redemption and inner beauty.
* His Sacrifice: He puts himself at risk for Belle's happiness, demonstrating his love and commitment.
* He Represents the Power of Love: His change is driven by Belle's love, highlighting the transformative nature of genuine feelings.
Gaston:
* The Antagonist: He creates conflict and drives the plot forward, representing the dangers of superficiality and vanity.
* Foils Belle: He contrasts with Belle in his personality and values, highlighting her positive attributes.
Ultimately, the most important character depends on what you value most in the story. Do you prioritize the protagonist, the character with the most dramatic arc, or the villain who drives the conflict?