Board Thread:Spoilers!/@comment-4877635-20140901190111/@comment-6175354-20140917113745

WorldHopper22 wrote: Because Belle is a main character (no matter what others say), and she doesn't get enough involvement and backstory. I think if Belle knew how to wield a sword, she would be seen in more scenes. That's why you see Hook's face on the front covers of Season 2 and 3 DVDs instead of Belle's. She's been in the show longer than him, but he is promoted more. Just because Belle was on the show longer than Hook, does not mean anything. He is a main character, whereas she is not. Emilie de Ravin being on contract, does not change that.... Belle is still a glorified recurring character. She never does anything important, and her only purpose is to be Rumplestiltskin's love interest. Her storylines are always connected to him, as she is not an independent character. I doubt this backstory is going to change that, due to what will probably happen in the present-day.

Interesting fact: Belle has been on the show longer, but Hook has been in more episodes.