Beauty is the youngest daughter of a once-wealthy merchant, standing out from her siblings due to her cheerful and adaptable disposition. When her family falls into poverty, she values simple pleasures over material wealth, evidenced by her modest request for a single rose. Her gentle nature and willingness to find the good in difficult situations draw the admiration of those around her.

The Merchant is a loving but desperate father trying to provide for his 12 children after a sudden string of financial ruins. Eager to reclaim his former fortune, he embarks on a journey that ends at a mysterious, magical castle. He makes a fateful error when he plucks a rose from the estate's garden, inadvertently triggering a dangerous bargain.

The Beast is the monstrous, terrifying master of a magnificent magical castle hidden in the snowy woods. Despite his fearsome, elephant-like appearance and wrathful initial encounter with his trespassing guest, he provides lavish hospitality. He exhibits a surprisingly calm and accommodating demeanor when interacting with his new captive.

The Prince is a handsome, enigmatic stranger who visits Beauty exclusively in her dreams. He consistently implores her not to trust physical appearances and promises that she will eventually find happiness. He serves as a comforting, intellectual contrast to her waking life at the magical estate.

Beauty's five older sisters are accustomed to a life of immense privilege and opulence in the city. They refuse to adapt to the family's sudden poverty, remaining bitter and unhelpful in their new country home. They frequently demand extravagant gifts and show little appreciation for their youngest sister's hard work.

Beauty's six older brothers experience the same sudden financial ruin as the rest of their family. When they learn about the dangerous bargain struck in the woods, they react defensively and offer to fight off the threat to protect their household.

The Queen is an authoritative monarch who represents the rigid societal expectations of her era. She places immense value on social class, birthright, and appropriate alliances. She views marriage primarily as a strategic transaction requiring a proper dowry rather than a matter of affection.

The Fairies are highly capable supernatural beings who heavily influence the mortal world from the shadows. Operating under complex rules and their own internal politics, they manipulate human lives to achieve specific outcomes. One prominent fairy communicates directly with Beauty, offering cryptic advice about courage and reality.