Why Ursula from The Little Mermaid Isn't a Great Villain

Considered among one of the most iconic villains in Disney history, Ursula from The Little Mermaid is often cited as a prime example of a powerful antagonist. However, this title comes with a caveat. In reality, Ursula struggles to meet the standards for a compelling and well-rounded villain, and we'll explore why she is not as effective as one might assume.

The Myth of a Good Villain

The notion that Ursula is a good villain is a logical fallacy in itself. A good villain is not just menacing; they must be complex, relatable, and have a story that drives their actions. Ursula lacks these qualities entirely, primarily because she is a one-dimensional character with no significant development or emotional depth.

Goals without Depth

Ursula's primary goal is superficial revenge, but this motive is underdeveloped. The movie's plot reveals that Ursula seeks revenge on King Triton for taking over her palace, as indicated by a comment she makes to Flotsam and Jetsam about the parties that used to be 'in my day.' Despite this hint at a backstory, it's presented so briefly that it offers little insight into Ursula's character beyond a simple motive. For instance, she could have been a princess, but where did she go? Who cared for her in her time of need? This is crucial for understanding her actions and motivations.

Characterization and Backstory

A good character, whether hero or villain, should have a rich backstory to explain their actions. Ursula's story is woefully lacking. Scriptwriter Sheldon Moldoff asserted that there should be a YA novel about Ursula that delves deeper into her past, revealing more about why she is the way she is. This additional depth would have greatly contributed to her character's development, making her a more compelling villain. Pat Carroll's portrayal, while excellent, is not enough to save a lackluster character.

Techniques vs. Character

Ursula's villainy is reduced to a series of pointless magical acts and manipulations, with no real depth or narrative significance. Her development can be summarized in a single song, "Poor Unfortunate Souls," which doesn't even mention her name frequently. Her actions, while dramatic, are devoid of any real impact or purpose beyond coinciding with the plot's needs.

The Limitations of Disney

Disney has a reputation for creating cackling villains with no character development, a trend that can be traced back to their early animated features. The issue is most pronounced in kiddie movies, where complex adult themes and real-world villains are often off-limits. For instance, The Lion King's Scar faced significant controversy for his depiction, and Disney's attempt at a more mature villain in Frollo, from Warcraft, was considered inappropriate for children despite the movie's leniency.

Frollo, despite being a flawed role, comes close to achieving the ideal of a villain with a compelling backstory. However, even Frollo lacks the depth required for a truly satisfying character arc. His hatred of Gypsies/Romani is not well-documented, leaving his actions largely unexplained and inconsistent.

The Case of Cruella de Vil

One might argue that Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians is a one-dimensional villain, but the question is rarely raised. Unlike Ursula, Cruella's actions are more understandable, even if they are rooted in cruelty. Her motive to steal the dalmatians for fashion reasons, albeit distasteful, is at least a tangible goal. The absence of such a rationale for Ursula's actions makes her appear shallow and, ultimately, less believable.

Conclusion

In summary, Ursula from The Little Mermaid is not a great villain because her character lacks depth, complexity, and a fully fleshed-out backstory. While she may be a powerful and memorable figure, she falls short in terms of character development. The villains in Disney's animated films, particularly in those aimed at children, are often one-dimensional and lack the nuance required to make them fully realized antagonists. This raises questions about the limitations of children's media and its portrayal of complex, relatable characters.