In the animated movie "Beauty and the Beast," three main characters stand out: Belle, a smart and independent young woman who loves books and dreams of adventure; Beast, a cursed prince who must learn to love and be loved in order to break the spell; and Gaston, a handsome but arrogant hunter who seeks to win Belle's affections at any cost. Each character brings a unique dynamic to the story, making it a classic tale of love, acceptance, and redemption.