It seems Emma Watson has come full circle with her role in 'Beauty and the Beast'. She started out her career playing a feisty, bookish witch in 'Harry Potter' and is now a feisty, bookish princess in Disney's live action fairytale. Appropriate for a woman with such strong ideas about femininity.

Hermione Granger and BelleHow does Belle compare with Hermione Granger?

Emma Watson as Belle seems like an obvious fit when you consider how the 'Beauty and the Beast' heroine, like Emma, attempts to break down female stereotypes within the story. And after playing a character like Hermione Granger for so many years, it's only natural for comparisons to be drawn between the actress' key roles.

Here are just a few things the characters have in common:

1. Books - This is without question the most obvious similarity between the two characters - and, indeed, the most relatable characteristic to Emma herself. You'll almost never see either of these girls enjoying down-time without some volume or other clutched in their hand, and the library is both their all-time favourite place.

Hermione in 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'Like Belle, Hermione Granger is a huge bookworm

2. Industriousness - Belle is extremely inventive and can come up with a solution to almost any problem - including making a crude version of a modern washing machine. Hermione always has a spell for a tight spot, excels in logistical difficulties - for example, packing up a tent, books, clothes and various other necessities in her tiny beaded bag.

3. Love - Both characters fall unexpectedly in love in the end, with a person who they haven't always got on with. In fact, they are people with whom they have had the worst relationship with at times, but their love is built up on a foundation of deep respect.

Beauty and the BeastBelle and The Beast fall in love as completely as Hermione and Ron

4. Compassion - Belle uses her love of books to educate the local children - to many people's chagrin. Plus, it doesn't take her long to warm to the Beast despite his terrifying exterior and quick-temper. It's reminiscent of Hermione actively trying to free Hogwarts' enslaves House-Elves as Hermione, and her willingness to take care of Hagrid's massive little brother Grawp. 'Hermione and Belle are like perfect head and heart girls', Emma told Buzzfeed in an interview. 'They have both. They're super smart but they also have this incredible empathy and compassion and ability to see beyond things and be non-judgemental.'

5. Rebellion - Hermione is very much about following the rules, but she has never had a problem breaking them when it comes to saving lives. Belle is the same. She never rebels against her father, but refuses to do what anybody else tells her to do - it's not because she's stubborn, it's for survival and independence. 

Hermione in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'Hermione breaks so many rules at Hogwarts

6. Non-conformity - Both girls refuse to conform to what society expects of them. Belle reads books, doesn't want to be married any time soon and enjoys practical activities that don't always include cooking and cleaning. Hermione is Muggle-Born, and yet still excels in all her classes, refuses to comb her wild hair and makes sure that the fact that she's a girl never gives anyone the idea that she's less capable.

More: Read our review of 'Beauty and the Beast'

7. Fighting Spirit - A true Gryffindor, Hermione will always be up for a fight and, indeed, gets involved in many a battle during the 'Harry Potter' series - including hand-to-hand combat with Draco Malfoy. Likewise, Belle entered the Beast's castle all guns blazing when she realised her father had been kidnapped, and never gives in to the heavy advances of Gaston. 

Belle in Beauty and the BeastBelle and Hermione have so much in common

8. Family - Hermione's parents are Muggles and literally a world apart from her life at Hogwarts. But despite the fact that some people in the magical world are dismissive of non-magic people, Hermione maintains her devotion to them; even going so far as to erase their memories of her and send them off to Australia to keep them safe during the Second Wizarding War. Belle's father is similarly ridiculed by the townsfolk, but Belle loves him enough to allow herself to be imprisoned by the Beast in his place and even to risk being committed when she goes to rescue her father from an insane asylum.