Rapunzel is a sheltered girl who lives in a lone tower hidden in the forest, with her "mother," Gothel. She is not allowed to leave because Gothel tells her it is a dangerous world out there. What Rapunzel does not know is that Gothel has been selfishly keeping her prisoner, to exploit her long magical hair that has restorative powers, that keeps Gothel looking young. She kidnapped the princess from her parents when she was a baby, and has been with her since. Rapunzel obeys Gothel and leads a lonely life, with only her pet chameleon as a constant friend. She dreams of going to see the floating lights that appear every year on her birthday.
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It is almost her 18th birthday, and a man climbs up to the tower seeking refuge. He's Flynn Rider, a thief being chased by the king's guards for stealing a tiara. Rapunzel hits him on the head and ties him up and hides him. She wants to prove to Gothel that she is capable of caring for herself, and asks Gothel if she can leave and see the lights. Gothel turns her down. Very disappointed, Rapunzel keeps Flynn a secret, and sends Gothel off on a trip. Rapunzel asks Flynn to guide her to the lights in exchange for the tiara, which she hid in the tower. Flynn reluctantly accepts and the two leave the tower and head to the forest. Flynn discourages her to go see the lights, and tries to scare her with a trip to an inn full of reckless thugs. Instead the thugs end up liking her, so the deal is still on. The guards catch up to Flynn so he and Rapunzel escape through a tunnel to an old mill site. Flynn is injured, and Rapunzel heals him. Meanwhile, When Gothel learns of Rapunzel's absence and finds the tiara, she sets out for her. She hires two thugs who want revenge on Flynn and promises his capture. When Gothel sees Rapunzel she tells her that Flynn only wants the tiara and not her-- they should go back to the tower. Rapunzel doesn't believe her. In the kingdom, the lights are released and Rapunzel and Flynn watch from the lake. Later Flynn is rendered unconscious by the thugs and is tied to a boat and sent to the castle guards. Gothel convinces Rapunzel that Flynn is running away with the tiara. But then, with the floating lights, and the sun emblem from her memory, she puts together that she is the long lost princess. Gothel drags her forcefully back to the tower. Flynn is imprisoned in the castle but is broken out by the thugs from the inn. He goes to the tower but is stabbed by Gothel. Rapunzel cuts her hair and Gothel starts aging rapidly and is so horrified by herself she falls out the window. With her hair gone, all looks lost with Flynn, until a tear is shed on him, and he wakes up. Rapunzel and Flynn go back to the kingdom where she is reunited with her parents.
Best part of story, including ending:
Rapunzel is an unlikely heroine, and Flynn compliments her in the best way possible.
Best scene in story:
When Rapunzel experiences the outside world for the first time.
Opinion about the main character:
Her wide-eyed view of the world is so innocent and positive.