FRACTURED FAIRY TALES Putting a New Twist on

FRACTURED FAIRY TALES Putting a New Twist on Old Favorites

WHAT IS A FAIRY TALE? v A fairy tale is a short story that includes fantasy and magical characters like elves, gnomes, giants, mermaids, fairies, and other such enchanted creatures (Wikipedia).

ELEMENTS OF A FAIRY TALE v Set in the past—usually significantly long ago. May be presented as historical fact from the past. v Include fantasy, supernatural or make-believe aspects. v Typically incorporate clearly defined good characters and evil characters. v May include objects, people, or events in threes. v Focus the plot on a problem or conflict that needs to be solved. v Often have happy endings, based on the resolution of the conflict or problem. v Usually teach a lesson or demonstrate values

FAIRY TALES AND CHILDREN’S STORIES v Goldilocks and the Three Bears v Little Red Riding Hood v Hanzel and Gretel v Princess and the Pea v Sleeping Beauty v Emperor's New Clothes v Snow White v Rumplestiltskin v Cinderella v Elves and the Shoemaker v Three Billy Goats Gruff v Jack and the Beanstalk v Three Little Pigs v Gingerbread Man

WHAT IS A FRACTURED FAIRY TALE? A fractured fairy tale takes a classic fairy tale or children’s story and adds a twist, changes characters, or makes it more modern (Think: language and setting).

FRACTURING YOUR OWN FAIRY TALE v Think about changing or more of the following elements: • Time: Set the story in the present or future, instead of "once upon a time, a long, long time ago. ” • Location: Set the story in a different country, region, or city. Imagine Rapunzel set in Los Angeles or British Columbia or outback Australia. • Gender: Change the gender of the main character for a new slant. Perhaps Rumpelstiltskin is a mischievous, grumpy female dwarf! • Ending: Keep the original elements but change the ending. • Cast of Characters: Instead of sticking with just one character from one fairy tale, have the characters from several fairy tales meet. • Background: Come up with the back story behind the fairy tale. (i. e. Why is Goldilocks in the woods on that fateful day? )

YOUR ASSIGNMENT v Choose one of the fairy tales or children’s stories we listed/discussed in class v Brainstorm ways to “fracture” and twist the classic version • But don’t get too far from the original v Fill out the plot provided diagram, outlining the events of your story v Draft your short story, being sure to include the key elements of a fairy tale: • Magical and fantastic elements • Conflict and suspense • The Rule of 3 v Polish and revise your fairy tale v Illustrate your fairy tale in some way (we’ll talk about these requirements later)