On one hand I see her spoiled because she got mad at her father a lot, and she would miss the performances she was supposed to be in. But on the other hand, I don't see her as spoiled because she followed her dreams, and did whatever it took to be happy.

Wanting something more, fighting for what you believe in, trying to learn about a world that's completely different from yours, and wanting to prove that the people that your people think of as monsters aren't monsters doesn't make you spoiled. Ariel has many flaws but being spoiled isn't one of them. I really hope I won't feel the need to get into a huge argument because I just finished a lot of school work and I'm tired.

Being spoiled doesn't make you an evil person you know, guys.

Is she well-off? Yes.
Does she usually get away with stuff? Hmm, aside from Triton destroying her grotto, she never seems to get punished much.

Yeah because being a pampered princess under water living in a fabulous palace with no rules other than, "don't go on the surface and do your princess duties!" Really gives you a reason for rebelling. (/Sarcasm) And even before Ariel decided to sell her voice just out of spite for her dad, Ariel STILL missed her concerts (Which if we count the sequels Ariel begs for two years before TLM) and refused to take five minutes out of her life so she could listen to what her father and Sebastian were telling her.

^^^ Pretty much. I feel like there are much worse out there. Spoiled would be getting everything you ask for; she was actually told no quite a bit. Like she couldn't go on land nor even talk to humans. She was forbidden to even have her little human keepsakes (if I remember right). There were a mess of places off limits (though some of it was for her own safety). By all means pretty much all the princesses lived in a castle so I don't know why Ariel would be considered more spoiled than other princesses for it. Plus she had a mess of siblings; as someone who has 2 siblings and is good friends with an only child; I've observed that he gets a lot more material stuff than I and it's more expensive. So Ariel having many siblings is another factor.

^ I feel like there are worse out there. Yes, but like AudreyFreak said, being spoiled doesn't mean you're an evil person. For some people it's a bad thing, but it doesn't have to be for everyone. Also just because Ariel had strict parents doesn't mean she's less of a spoiled person. She had very few rules to follow that were all in her safety, and besides those she had a pampered life. Oh, and I think you missed understood what I meant. I didn't say Ariel was spoiled because she had a castle. It's that with all the luxuries she had, Ariel still found something to complain about, always wanted more, and thought her father was, "reprimanding her" for not giving her what she wants when she wants it. (Keep in mind I don't think Ariel is the only spoiled princess.)
Debates are fun, eh? XD

Living a life of luxury doesn't guarantee happiness. Ariel lives in a home where everyone thinks the same, that the human world is evil and nothing more. Her father is strict and stuck in his ways, like any old person (and me lol), and her sisters basically just focus on material things like the way they look (especially if you watch the TV series), which Ariel couldn't really care less (well, until she meets Eric to an extent). Ariel wants to learn more about the human world and even prove that not all humans are evil. Ariel is someone who fights for what she believes in and she believes that a certain culture isn't evil just because people don't understand them. Again, basing it off the TV series (which unlike the prequel movie, is an actual faithful and believable prequel to the original), Ariel sings a song called Harmony when everyone is fighting over who is the best because the Evil Manta was trying to have everyone turn against someone who was different from them. She believes in equality, particularly with humans, who she's been fascinated by for years. Triton and pretty much everyone under the sea (even Flounder to an extent) doesn't listen to her about how not all humans are evil and that they're just like them. She also does this when everyone is refusing to listen to her about how the "Bad Luck Creature" isn't really bad luck, even going so far as to hug the creature, which according to legend states that touching the bad luck creature will give them bad luck forever. I believe her being spoiled is more of her being rebellious and an activist in equality. I might be over-analyzing this but that's honestly how I see her. I realize most of the examples I used of her were from the TV series but I feel like in the original she rebels and doesn't listen because she wants to learn more about humans and therefore be able to prove that humans aren't all evil. She missed the concert because she was trying to gather more human things for her to learn more about them as part of her research, even though the person she got the knowledge from (Scuttle) wasn't a very reliable resource. She really didn't mean to be so inconsiderate, she just forgot. I honestly forget important things a lot and stress out just like she did when she rushed home, knowing she missed it and was going to face the consequences. Yes, she made a face when Sebastian was reprimanding her, but he was really being over the top like Barney Fife from The Andy Griffith Show, it's kind of hard to take him seriously. Plus when he says "Now thanks to you I am the laughing stock of the entire kingdom," she stops making her face and softens her face up and takes it seriously.

I know you already know this and all, but most of those examples were from the TV series. From what we see from the movie I wouldn't believe anything Ariel did was for, "equality." Are we counting things outside of the original TLM? If we are, then I'll bring up how in TLM 3, Ariel is shown constantly fighting her daddy to bring back music. (Something Ariel was shown caring a great deal about in the third movie.) The whole movie was about Ariel changing her fathers ways for music, and by the end, her and her sisters rejoice when her father finally brings it back. Fast forward about three years later, and Sebastian and Triton are planning a concert like their beloved Ariel begged for. What happens? Ariel skips out on her fathers concert, because now-a-days, Ariel doesn't care about that stuff, and now has a new hobby and has no time for music. That, in my opinion, is spoiled.
If we aren't counting things out of TLM, I don't think Ariel's main motivation was for the sea creatures and humans reuniting. It was about Ariel's wishes, and that Ariel wanted to break Triton's one rule.
Also, Ariel is shown caring a great deal about her beauty. Constantly looking in mirrors, fixing her hair for Eric, and batting her eyes whenever she sees him.
EDIT: (Since you made your comment longer I thought I would respond) I have no problem with Ariel exploring, gathering information and learning new things. I have a problem with it, when Ariel does it on her father's time, blows responsibility, and misses the concert that I assume if we count sequels, was planned for her. It bothers me how Ariel "forgets" about the concert for the billionth time and makes excuses, and then probably doing it again. She rushes home so she doesn't get in trouble, and then doesn't face up to her mistake. Also, it's not just the rude face she gave Sebastian while he was trying to help her. She's constantly turning away and giving snarky looks during the song, and even left in the middle of it.

Also because I hope it doesn't seem rude that I'm not responding to your part about the TLM series, but I haven't seen that show since I was seven and I'm not about to watch every episode. I don't expect you to have seen TLM 3 if you haven't (Though, I assume you have) since it's not cannon and not the main, "TLM" movie/series, and neither things must change our opinions on the subject of Ariel and how she behaves.

She's not the only Princess that is a little spoiled and I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing, I mean look at Charlotte.

Uhhh did you not see where I said "until she met Eric," where I acknowledge that she starts caring about her looks because of Eric. Oh yeah, you could tell that Ariel's motive was to break Triton's one rule with the way she was so fascinated by the human world, saved the life of a human, and just says "If only I could make him understand." Yeah, just wanting her father to understand her side of how she feels about humans because she "doesn't see how a world that makes such wonderful things could be bad," and wants to show people this is really just her trying to prove to her father that rules don't apply to her and if he says differently than she'll break the rules to spite him. NOT! I don't count the third movie because it isn't faithful like the TV series is. They make Flounder brave and a person that doesn't mind at all breaking the rules. Yeah, that's really the Flounder from the original that's a scardy catfish and is always paranoid when breaking the rules. Or Sebastian rebelling against the King and Triton being noting but an emotionless hardass. NOT! I better stop talking about that awful movie before I get all worked up lol.

EDIT: It was clear that she missed the concert, so she was going to be in trouble. It seems more likely that she'd go home to apologize and accept responsibility for her mistake. Also, why shouldn't she make snarky faces during Under The Sea, where he's basically telling her to forget about her dreams and that her dreams are just a big mistake. Yeah, I'm really going to listen to someone who tells me that. NOT! I'd blow them off and not even listen to them, so I don't blame her.

Yes, but like AudreyFreak said, being spoiled doesn't mean you're an evil person. For some people it's a bad thing, but it doesn't have to be for everyone. Also just because Ariel had strict parents doesn't mean she's less of a spoiled person. She had very few rules to follow that were all in her safety, and besides those she had a pampered life. Oh, and I think you missed understood what I meant. I didn't say Ariel was spoiled because she had a castle. It's that with all the luxuries she had, Ariel still found something to complain about, always wanted more, and thought her father was, "reprimanding her" for not giving her what she wants when she wants it. (Keep in mind I don't think Ariel is the only spoiled princess.)
Debates are fun, eh? XD

I can agree with that; spoiled doesn't always mean bad. I guess my mind sort of links it to snobby and rude. Mostly due in part to characters like Stella from Winx or Regina George from Mean Girls...characters like that. And I usually hate characters like that. That said, when I don't see traits like 'snob' or 'rude' I tend to miss 'spoiled' if that makes any sense. I guess this next thing is all about interpretation; I think pampered and spoiled are two very different things. Ariel is pampered not spoiled. I would say pampered peoples realize all of the good things they have and appreciate them whereas (imo) spoiled people realize they have good things and take those things for granted. Appreciation vs taking for granted is what separates the spoiled from the not-spoiled.
Okay, I can see that one; finding something to complain about when nothing is present to complain of is pretty spoiled. However I think that always wanting more of something is less spoiled and more materialistic. I'm like that--always wanting more I mean--and I don't see myself as spoiled, I do however warn people that I am very materialistic.
Long story short for me it's about the attitude; taking things for granted, bragging about your possessions, and always finding something to complain about is spoiled. Actually owning a lot of material things and appreciating them is not spoiled (it could be materialistic/pampered/something of that nature, but not spoiled).

xP I do love a good debate. Though this is my first one on this spot lol.

@Kataralover I saw where you said that, but I'm just saying that saying Ariel doesn't care about her looks unlike her sisters is far from it. She cares about her looks just as much as them. Whether it was Ariel's motive to break her father's one rule or not, I still think it's spoiled Ariel says her father reprimands her for wanting the best for her, misses her responsibilities, drags her friends wherever she wants for that one dream of hers, and pays no attention when people are talking to her. Oh yeah, and what was it that Ariel said during her conversation about how she feels? "I don't care." "But daddy I love him! (Eric)" And about, "and wants to show people this is really just her trying to prove to her father that rules don't apply to her and if he says differently than she'll break the rules to spite him. NOT!" Ariel doesn't go to the sea witch (That everybody tells her she shouldn't go to) until her father angers her, and talks about how she bets parents don't treat their daughters so awfully like hers does on land in Part of your world.
Um, the third movie is just as much valid reason as why Ariel is spoiled as your counterpart with the tv series, wherever you find it believable or not. *Shrugs*
Towards your comment edit: But, did she take responsibility? She used every excuse she could come up with as why she blew off responsibility once again. Also whether Ariel disagreed with it or not she should at least listen to when somebody is speaking towards her, instead of acting like a dive and constantly turning your head like you refuse to listen when somebody tries helping you. Apparently spending five minutes of her life hearing something she disagrees with is so much work?
Also, can you please stop saying, "not!" ? Kind of just a pet peeve, but I find it annoying.

@Zanhar1 Where you're coming from makes sense, but I do kind of feel like Ariel takes things for granted. How her father looks out for her, Sebastian's constant support, when her sisters try spending time with her, etc. Ariel either blows them off, or refuses to listen. Ariel is never seen, "bragging" about what she has, but I think she takes advantage of how good she has it (Loving family she says reprimand her, good friends that she blows off, and castle that she wants totally away from) and constantly complains about it.

Oh and first debates yay! *Throws confetti*

I can see that too. I was sort of just looking at the material object side of things. However I decided to give the definition a quick Google and found this; harm the character of (a child) by being too lenient or indulgent. Her father was rather strict so that part I think is eliminated. However she can be rather indulgent. The definition didn't state nor exclude taking people for granted so I guess her blowing off of Sebastian and the others can be a bit spoiled. But it can also be...motivated? Driven? She had a goal (to become human and be with her lover) and she was going to get it no matter what. So I think that her refusal to listen is both a flaw and a strong point depending on which light you look at it in. For this debate though it'd probably fall into the flaw category. With the complaining about the castle part I think this is a 'the grass is always greener on the other side' (or as the show itself stated, the seaweed is always greener in somebody else's lake); I find that a lot of the princess either start in a castle and want freedom or start in a small house and want a castle. Like Ariel is the one who wanted freedom, Snow wanted freedom. Cindy also wanted freedom, but her freedom included castles and riches. That said, I think Ariel's complaints are less about having a castle and more about wanting freedom and the ability to see and do more than just what the castle gives her.

*Places party hats upon everyone who commented...everyone*

@Sk8er_girl, I saw where it said Ariel cares a lot about her beauty... isn't that ALL because of Eric though? Every time she fixes her hair or something, it's to look good for Eric or because she's thinking about him. Like it's not because of vanity, right? Just wondering what you thought about that... I'm really sorry if you already answered that question somewhere, I just skimmed through the comments, I'm kinda tired.

I don't think she's spoiled because she collected all those things herself. And no one really listens to her except Flounder. And a lot more reasons, like some stuff that was mentioned above. I don't want to write an essay now because I have lots of homework.

I googled it too lol. I agree that Triton was definitely a strict parent (Though I do think the indulgent part stays) part besides the fact Triton didn't, "spoil her" Ariel still seemed, "spoiled." Does that make sense? By that I mean, while Triton might have not been giving her everything she wanted, Ariel seemed to have a, "I want this, I want that" persona. Maybe it could be motivated and driven, but her friends were there for her the entire movie. She didn't need to get away from them so she could reach her goal, but rather understand there side and they would understand hers. Even when Ariel didn't do this they were still with her when she got legs, and even when Sebastian asked her, "Do you appreciate what I do for you?" She gives him a ditzy smile and goes to bed. Oh and so there is no confusion, when I say castle, I just mean her luxury life all together. Snow and Cindy all wanted more than they had because they were in tortured and abusive living places. Neither of them right out wished for princes and castles (Cinderella didn't want it until the invitations went out, and Snow wishes for, "the one she loves." Not a prince until the prince comes for her while she was at the wishing well.) I mean, another princess that comes to mind at the moment that had a castle and wanted freedom was Jasmine, and in all fairness I find her spoiled too. :p (Though to a lesser extent and though I do like Jasmine, it's true)
*Takes party hat with pride*

@quishy11 Sorry I made my comment before I saw yours. No, lol. Kataralover said: "Ariel doesn't care about beauty like her sisters do." So I mentioned all the times Ariel was seen caring about her looks and beauty, just as much as her sisters did. It never had anything to do with vanity.

Like when Scuttle tells Ariel that a dinglehopper can fix her hair, she doesn't immediately try to make herself look good with it, she only does that when Eric's around, which most 16 year olds would do haha.

^Yeah, I understand. My comment wasn't about Ariel's vanity, I was just making a point that Ariel cares just as much about beauty as any of her sisters do, being 16 or not. :)

^^ Oh haha I understand now, thanks. :)

I guess it depends on the scene as to weather or not she's being indulgent. I believe that what she's doing is appreciating the objects she owns; like I have a CD collection and sometimes I'll just pass it by and look at it for a while like 'I done good collecting these, I done good.' And I think that's what Ariel was doing with her items. But what you said makes sense as well. I can agree with that, she does want quite a bit. I feel as though she thought (with Sebastian at least) he'd tattle on her which very well could have kept her from Eric. But with say Flounder, she could have been more loyal. I can see where you're coming from on this as well. Sebastian really is that 'the things I do for love' character. That would make more sense. However it can be argued that Ariel would trade her luxurious life for love which can be good or bad. I think Ariel and Jasmine are very similar in this way. I suppose you can say that I think Ariel has her spoiled moments but she's not a spoiled person. For her to be a spoiled person I think there needs to be that snobby arrogant air. But yeah she has her moments.

Party hard!

You want a party had quishy? *Holds out hat* :3

Hehe yes I'll take one :D

Well, I guess Ariel appreciates her collection, but she never appreciated what she had, and, even though she appreciated her collection, still wanted more, more, and more. And I could understand getting mad at Sebastian for telling on her, but come on, have a little faith in your friend, and still listen to what he'll tell you without running away and giving dirty looks. Yeah, I do see lots of similarities between her and Jasmine. (Both wanting freedom from their castles, and in my opinion, being a bit spoiled and rude about it at times)

And anyway, I'm glad you can see where I'm coming from on things. :)

Doesn't make her a bad character, though. She's a wonderful heroine.

She's not a bad character and even though the conversation in the upper comments looks really interesting Im a little lazy to read it right now

Being spoiled doesn't necessarily mean royalty or riches, because then u could say that IM spoiled compared to the kids in Africa...to truly be spoiled, u have to act spoiled and unappreciative and u get ur say...ur parents give in to all ur wishes...and Ariel did not get what she wanted from her father, she had rules and lessons and got punished frequently

@Skater Yeah, I think the best kinds of debates are the ones where both people can see and understand the other side.