I still think that she cares for her father just as much as Mulan and Belle. But she always knew that he had 6 other daughters to take care of him.

If she was the only daughter it would change who she is and how she was raised. She would still be Ariel but she would be a little different and think a little differently.

If she was the only daughter she would be the next in line to Atlantica's throne, and she wouldn't have been able to get away with being irresponsible so easily because of that. She would probably have been less rebellious too. I think it's more difficult to cause trouble and conflict with family when you're the only child because there isn't anyone else to distract your parent's attention from it and you have no one else to turn to if your father is cross or upset with you.

Basically I think her upbringing would have been entirely different, and she would have felt more guilt about signing a deal with Ursula.

If she was his only daughter, Triton would have more of a chance to know Ariel as Ariel, and not just as his youngest daughter. Also she'd be raised way differently because she would be next in line for the crown.

I personally don't think she cares for him a lot, so even if she was his only daughter, she would have still left him for selfish reasons.

It's her dream. BelleAnastasia yes it's so selfish to follow your dreams because everyone should just stay where they're not happy and just whine about it all the time like a character you LOVE so much.

I agree with KataraLover :)

Belle in her situation will stay she will not live her father for nothing, not even for an adventure.

Ariel left not because she didn't love or care for her father. You can love your parents deeply, but live your own life and move to a place where you feel like you belong, a place that is better for you, even if your parents disapprove of it. Loving your parents doesn't mean agreeing with them on everything or giving up on your dreams and aspirations for the sake of pleasing them. No. This leads to nothing, but a hidden anger and offence that a child would have in relation to aparent untill the rest of his/her life. Ariel did what she thought was right for her and followed her long term dream, choosing the only opportunity she could find after almost losing a hope. She still loved Triton and her sisters, but she had to live her own life as well. I don't see it being different with her being the only child.

It's her dream to see the human world