3. The Non-Stereotypical Protagonist
Besides for the cast of characters surrounding him, the most important character element to this story is, of course, Quasimodo. Normally, in a Disney movie, your main protagonist is a young, good looking character, either a prince or princess, who you know immediately will save the day. Upon seeing this protagonist he looks dashing, the kind of guy who you know will get the girl, fight the bad guy, and remain perfectly manicured while doing it. However, this film gave us a lead like we hadn't seen from Disney up until this point. Instead, we were given a shy, deformed, bell ringer, with a name that means half-formed. What this does is give the audience a more relatable character. Instead of focusing on an idealistically perfect character, the story shows us that everyone isn't perfect. In the end, Quasimodo doesn't get the girl, Phoebus does. But that's not the point of what makes Quasi so real. He doesn't always get the girl; he doesn't always look perfect. But, that doesn't mean he can't be a hero. It doesn't mean you can't save the day, and be loved. You don't have to be the Prince Charming, or even the Phoebus. You can be whoever you are, and still be an amazing person, and that's what Quasimodo teaches us.