Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-26971388-20160505192841/@comment-25926288-20160719031136

That simply highlights another issue: Useful or nah? Belle is used to do research, babysit, and used as leverage against Rumple. If she's none of those, they sort of leave her be and seemingly don't care.

Need leverage against Rumple to save Hook? Threaten to tell Belle. (That's like using blackmail aginst a man who's abusing his wife. Terrible.)

Need some info on the recent monster? Go ask Belle.

Need a babysitter? Go get Belle.

Belle needs some help to save Rumple? Nah, we have other things to do.

Belle needs help awakening? Nope, I'm sure she's content being in that dreadful sleeping curse that our family has plagued us for generations.

I'm afraid if Belle has a baby, she'll have to watch it 24/7 unless Granny's around.