She never seen did anything heroic imo.

she's not a damsel but she's not really heroic either. I mean she does help more than she needs to be rescued.

Judging by the sequels and TV series, she became a real hero. Although in the original film, for the most part, she remains mostly just Aladdin's sweetheart. Of course, from the very beginning she had this fiery spirit in her, but the first film was not about her in the first place. Although, if recall Aurora, then being the main character of her own film, she spent most of time in a sleep.

It was a daring move...to step in and to pretend that Genie HAD made her fall for Jafar. How many women would kiss a total sicko in order to buy their man some time to get the upper hand? That takes a whole lot of faith and a lot of bravery. Very few women would do this.

So, when I look for that "surprising upset"-- a character who does something out of the norm-- I see Jasmine take that step. So I think she starts out as a side character, but becomes a heroine for me.

^ agree. Plus she was ready for Aladdin to be who he was and stand by his promise to free Genie despite knowing what she will have to lose. Again a big sacrifice. She loved him for who he was and supported who he wanted to become to be a better person. She didn't add her own burden to his conscience.