Common Elements of Fairy Tales
8. May include objects, people, or events in threes or
1. A fairy tale usually begins with "Once upon a time...”
sevens. For example, it may take three tries to solve
or 'a long time ago', and end with telling the reader
the problem.
that the characters 'lived happily ever after'.
2. Fairy tales are set in the past- usually a long time 9. Fairy tales usually have happy endings – “they all lived
ago. happily ever after,” which is usually based on the
3. Fairy Tales have fantasy, supernatural, or make- resolution of the conflict or problem.
believe aspects. 10. Fairy tales usually teach a lesson, have an underlying
4. They usually have clearly defined good characters vs. theme or demonstrate values important to a culture.
evil characters. The main character is generally 11. Any setting is appropriate for a fairy tale. They can
mistreated. take place in other, magical worlds. Often, though, fairy
5. Royalty is usually present in a fairy tale, such as a
tales take place in our world, with magical characters
beautiful princess/handsome prince, castle, etc..
appearing to and interacting with humans. The forest is
6. Involves magic elements, which may be magical
people, animals, or objects. Magic may be positive or one of the most common fairy tale settings. It is a
negative. (examples: giants, elves, talking animals, place beyond the safety and familiarity of the town or
witches, or fairies) village. It represents the unknown where anything can
7. Focus the plot on a problem or conflict that needs to happen.
be solved. (Problem/Solution)
Complete this diagram with elements in Little Red Riding Hood
Now, watch the first twenty minutes of the animated movie Shrek (1). You will see that there are allusions to a lot of FTs. Make a list
with all the FTs that you recognize. Choose three FTs that you remember well fom your childhood and complete the table below with the
elements required.
