FRACTURED FAIRY TALES

Putting a New Twist on Old Favorites

WHAT IS A FAIRY TALE?

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

Set in the past—usually significantly long ago. May be

presented as historical fact from the past.

Include fantasy, supernatural or make-believe aspects.

Typically incorporate clearly defined good characters and

evil characters.

May include objects, people, or events in threes.

Focus the plot on a problem or conflict that needs to be

solved.

Often have happy endings, based on the resolution of the

conflict or problem.

Usually teach a lesson or demonstrate values

Goldilocks and the Three

Bears

Hanzel and Gretel

Sleeping Beauty

Snow White

Cinderella

Three Billy Goats Gruff

Three Little Pigs

FAIRY TALES AND CHILDREN’S STORIES

Little Red Riding Hood

Princess and the Pea

Emperor's New Clothes

Rumplestiltskin

Elves and the Shoemaker

Jack and the Beanstalk

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

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

Choose one of the fairy tales or children’s stories we listed/discussed in class

Brainstorm ways to “fracture” and twist the classic version • But don’t get too far from the original

Fill out the plot provided diagram, outlining the events of your story

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

Polish and revise your fairy tale

Illustrate your fairy tale in some way (we’ll talk about these requirements later)