Aurora

"Deny it all you want; I know love when I see it."

- Auroura to Mulan

Princess Aurora, also known as Sleeping Beauty, is a recurring character on Once Upon a Time. She makes her début in the first episode of the second season. She is portrayed by guest Sarah Bolger, and does not have a Storybrooke counterpart.

Princess Aurora is based on the titular character from the fairytale, Sleeping Beauty.

Early Life
At some point, Aurora was afflicted with the Sleeping Curse by Maleficent. It is unknown how she was cursed, but she began her slumber less than a year before the casting of the Dark Curse. The palace in which she slumbered was untouched by the curse. While she slumbered, Prince Phillip and Mulan journeyed to find her. They were frozen for 28 years while the Curse was in effect, but were able to resume their search after Emma Swan weakened the Curse in Storybrooke.

Season Two
Aurora is awakened by Prince Phillip with True Love's Kiss, accompanied by Mulan. Soon after he is marked by a Wraith, but keeps it a secret from Mulan and Aurora. He sneaks away from them to sacrifice himself for them and succeeds, having his soul sucked out right before Aurora and Mulan's eyes. Aurora is devastated, and comes to the conclusion that Mulan has feelings for Phillip. They bring Phillip back to Aurora's resting place, and Mulan explains the curse to Aurora. Then they hear a noise, and find Emma Swan and Mary Margaret Blanchard unconscious under a pile of rubble.

Trivia

 * During casting, Aurora was code-named "Anastasia".
 * The casting call described her as a princess who "could be mistaken for a spoiled rich girl".
 * She is the fourth Disney Princess to appear in the show.
 * Unlike her Disney counterpart, Aurora in the show is brunette and wears purple, rather than the Disney version who has blonde hair and wears either bright blue or bright pink.