Description:  The 1989 Disney animated film The Little Mermaid follows Ariel, a curious young mermaid who longs to explore the human world. After falling in love with a human prince, she makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human, but she must win the prince's love before a time limit expires, or she will belong to Ursula forever. The story centers on her journey to find a way to be with her love and her family's efforts to support her.

Protagonist: Ariel, a rebellious mermaid princess who is fascinated by the human world.

Conflict: Her father, King Triton, forbids contact with humans, but she falls in love with Prince Eric after rescuing him from a shipwreck.

The Deal: To be with Eric, Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human for three days in exchange for her voice. If she doesn't receive a kiss of true love by the fourth day, she will become a mermaid again and belong to Ursula.

Supporting characters: Her friends include the fish Flounder and the crab Sebastian, who also gets involved in trying to help her.

Resolution: Her father eventually helps her break the curse, and she is able to be with Prince Eric, now human, forever.

Themes: The story is a fairy tale about following your heart, making sacrifices for love, and overcoming obstacles to find your place in the world.