Although the reader learns of the spell that is cast on the Beast, the evil magician never actually appears on the scene. In general, McKinley's vision of human nature is a positive one, with instances of loyalty and courage on all social levels. As an example of loyalty, the Beast's two female servants, who remain in his castle as breezes, cheerfully serve Beauty because of their devotion to the man who has become the Beast.

The story is also essentially without violence. Storms may destroy the ships that provide the family income, and forests may house imposing figures who exact bizarre penalties for trespassing, but overall, Beauty takes place in a world without war or politics, a world of a vaguely distant past when life was more simple.