Esmeralda is the deuteragonist of Disney's 1996 animated feature film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She is a young woman belonging to a marginalized group referred to as "gypsies". Esmeralda is an outspoken humanitarian, which drives her to protect the deformed bell ringer, Quasimodo, from his oppressors—namely, Minister Frollo. This act of mercy, coupled with her beauty and cultural background, makes Esmeralda the main target of Frollo's wrath.
Background[]
Esmeralda is a Romani woman residing underneath Paris, in the hidden catacombs known as the Court of Miracles. She is a member of the Romani culture, led by Clopin, and works as an entertainment performer, or more specifically, a dancer, both on the streets and during more professional events, such as the Festival of Fools. She is regularly accompanied by her goat, Djali, who acts as her pet, confidante, and assistant during her performances. She is very brave, she is not afraid to say what she thinks, as she confronted Frollo in the square when she saw that he was allowing Quasimodo to be tortured and she came out to defend him. She has a kind, gentle and tender heart, she loves to help people, and she is very beautiful. Esmeralda is a strong, brave and rebellious gypsy, but she also has her moments where she feels vulnerable and alone like in the scene in GOD HELP THE OUTCASTS. Esmeralda also acts as a mother figure or older sister to Quasimodo, and she teaches him courage. She is selfless, benevolent and has a tender side. At first, Esmeralda is somewhat distrustful to the people and finds it difficult to trust others, as she has been accused and persecuted throughout her life of witchcraft and the extermination of gypsies. The only people she has been able to trust and feel safe in are Phoebus and Quasimodo.
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