Quote - I do believe it's possible to trademark the hallmark appearance of a particular character. Snow White, for instance, exists in a public domain fairytale, so she's free for use, but her characteristic appearance with blue short sleeved top and long yellow skirt, may well be trademarked by Disney, so you'd want to give her a different face and different clothes.

Can't really go by Disney. They sort of make up their own rules. For instance, Pocohontas from the animated movie was a grown woman, while the real Pocahontas was about 12 years old. But you know Disbney wasn't going to do a love story with a 12 year old and a 25 year old Miles Standish.

On the other hand, The Disney Alice in Wonderland and the Lewis Caroll Alice are so similar one would have to wonder how Disney can claim a trademark there.