Common Elements of Fairy Tales 1. A fairy tale usually begins with "Once upon a time...” 2. Fairy tales are set in the past- usually a long time ago. 3. Fairy Tales have fantasy, supernatural, or make-believe aspects. 4. They usually have clearly defined good characters vs. evil characters. 5. Royalty is usually present in a fairy tale, such as a beautiful princess/handsome prince, castle, etc.. 6. Involves magic elements, which may be magical people, animals, or objects. Magic may be positive or negative. (examples: giants, elves, talking animals, witches, or fairies) 7. Focus the plot on a problem or conflict that needs to be solved. (Problem/Solution) 8. May include objects, people, or events in threes. For example, it may take three tries to solve the problem. 9. Fairy tales usually have happy endings – “they all lived happily ever after,” which is usually based on the resolution of the conflict or problem. 10. Fairy tales usually teach a lesson, have an underlying theme or demonstrate values important to a culture. Common Elements of Fairy Tales 1. A fairy tale usually begins with "Once upon a time...” 2. Fairy tales are set in the past- usually a long time ago. 3. Fairy Tales have fantasy, supernatural, or make-believe aspects. 4. They usually have clearly defined good characters vs. evil characters. 5. Royalty is usually present in a fairy tale, such as a beautiful princess/handsome prince, castle, etc.. 6. Involves magic elements, which may be magical people, animals, or objects. Magic may be positive or negative. (examples: giants, elves, talking animals, witches, or fairies) 7. Focus the plot on a problem or conflict that needs to be solved. (Problem/Solution) 8. May include objects, people, or events in threes. For example, it may take three tries to solve the problem. 9. Fairy tales usually have happy endings – “they all lived happily ever after,” which is usually based on the resolution of the conflict or problem. 10. Fairy tales usually teach a lesson, have an underlying theme or demonstrate values important to a culture.
