FAIRY TALES

STRUCTURE

THE BARE-BONES STRUCTURE OF A FAIRY TALE

Fairytales have episodic structure, meaning that events are spread out over different periods of time and a number of

locales.

Episodic structure can take many forms, but most fairytales have what is called a “Hero” formula.

THE BARE-BONES STRUCTURE OF A FAIRY TALE

1. Hero leaves home.

2. Hero told NOT to do something or go to a certain place. Hero goes there anyway and meets the villain.

3. Villain deceives the hero.

4. Hero is tested, helped or attacked.

5. Hero reaches prize/treasure he or she is seeking.

6. Combat between hero and villain.

7. Villain defeated.

8. Hero heads for home.

MOTIFS

COMMON MOTIFS IN FAIRYTALES

All fairytales have unique motifs.

A ‘motif’ is any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of work.

COMMON MOTIFSTriumph of the poor

COMMON MOTIFSCleverness / trickster / word games

COMMON MOTIFSHuman weakness explored

COMMON MOTIFS Talking animals / objects

COMMON MOTIFSHuman strengths glorified

COMMON MOTIFSMagic and Guardians

COMMON MOTIFSEvil creatures

COMMON MOTIFSSleep (extended sleep, death-like trances)

COMMON MOTIFSImpossible Tasks Made Possible

HEROINE ARCHETYPES

HEROINES IN FAIRY TALES We always talk about heroes, but

what about HEROINES?

THE HEROINE ARCHETYPE

The Crusader Heroine

A thoroughly modern heroine is the Crusader. No distressed damsel here. This lady is on a mission, and she marches right over anyone in her way. She’s tenacious and headstrong. Don't try to calm her down, and don't try to force her to take time off from her mission. If you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem, and that makes you fair game.

THE HEROINE ARCHETYPE

The Survivor Heroine

The Survivor is a lady who is long accustomed to sizing up everyone in a room the minute she enters. Mysterious and manipulative, she hides a streak of distrust a mile wide and ten miles deep. Cynicism guides her every action, and her tough sense of survival gives her the means to do whatever is necessary to come out ahead.

THE HEROINE ARCHETYPE

The Spunky Kid Heroine

She is a favorite of many writers, and for good reason. You can't help but root for her. She's the girl with moxie. She's not looking to be at the top of the heap; she just wants to be in her own little niche. Supportive and reliable, she doesn’t have an enemy in the world, but has plenty of friends.

THE HEROINE ARCHETYPE

The Free Spirit Heroine

Playful and fun loving, this heroine travels through life with a hop, skip and a jump, always stopping to smell the flowers and admire the pretty colors. She acts on a whim and follows her heart, not her head.

THE HEROINE ARCHETYPEThe Damsel in Distress (and yet, a Heroine)

This is the original damsel in distress. She was the star of many a Grimm's fairy tales. She is one of the bravest heroines, but still requires rescue. Her child-like innocence evokes a protective urge in the beastliest of heroes.

THE HEROINE ARCHETYPE

The Librarian Heroine

She's prim and proper, but underneath that bun lurks a passionate woman. She's learned or was told that her physical charms shouldn't - or couldn't - help her get ahead, so she leads with her brain, not her body. She might be the know-it-all whose hand is always up in class, or maybe she is the shy mouse. She tends to think she has all the answers and can be a bit stubborn about considering other opinions.

THE HEROINE ARCHETYPE

The Nurturer Heroine

This lady takes care of everyone. She is a wonderful listener, and a joy to have around. She's serene, capable and optimistic. She might be the laid-back mother that always has fresh cookies in the oven.

VILLAIN ARCHETYPES

EXAMPLES OF VILLAIN ARCHETYPESAn archetypal villain is the manifestation of a particular "kind" of villain. These characters display stereotypical personalities, and are

present in all fairytales.

EXAMPLES OF VILLAIN ARCHETYPES

The Evil Stepmother

The Evil Witch

EXAMPLES OF VILLAIN ARCHETYPES

The Evil Wizard

EXAMPLES OF VILLAIN ARCHETYPES

The Evil Queen

EXAMPLES OF VILLAIN ARCHETYPES

The False Hero

EXAMPLES OF VILLAIN ARCHETYPES