The Beast is a fictional character from the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast." He is depicted as a large, fearsome creature with animal-like features, including fur, sharp claws, and horns. The Beast was once a handsome prince who was cursed due to his selfishness, transforming him into this monstrous form. The curse can only be broken by finding true love before the last petal of a magical rose falls. In the story, the Beast lives in a grand but gloomy castle, isolated from the outside world. He is initially portrayed as gruff and intimidating, but as the tale unfolds, his kind heart and capacity for love are revealed, especially through his relationship with Belle, the story's heroine. Their bond ultimately leads to the Beast's redemption and transformation back into a prince.