Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-26971388-20160505192841/@comment-24304025-20160521212451

It's kind of hypocritical that Snow was super worried about Dorothy-who not waking up and the whole plot of 518 was to ensure that a complete stranger wouldn't be cursed forever while they know that is Belle's fate and don't even think of a way to help.

But I'll repeat what I always say about this subject: it is NOT because of how insensitive or selfish or mean the Charmings are. Belle is not explored because of the writing. Lazy writing gives Belle 4-6 episodes a season where she appears with lliterally zero lines. They don't explore her relationship with anyone other than Gold. It was always like that, let's not pretend the writers care. The closest thing to a friendship was that tiny dialogue with Leroy in 502 and the few interactions with Ruby. Blue and Granny also seem to care about Belle, but the others are indifferent