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).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)