Fairy Tales
What phrase often begins a traditional fairy tale?
Once upon a time…
Which two numbers are especially common in fairy tales?
3 and 7
What does the first “Home” represent?
The character's normal/safe life.
Who is usually the main character in the Actant Model?
The Subject
What do we call the main character who usually faces the conflict?
The hero
How do many traditional fairy tales end?
With a happy ending / “They lived happily ever after.”
How many little pigs are there in The Three Little Pigs?
3
What happens in the “Out” part?
The character leaves home and faces challenges/conflicts.
What is the person/thing the Subject wants called?
The Object
What is the character who opposes the hero called?
The Villain
What is the typical conflict between characters in many fairy tales?
Good vs. evil
Why might the number 3 be useful in a fairy tale?
It creates repetition and expectation and makes the story easy to remember.
What usually happens when the character returns “Home”?
They return changed, often wiser or stronger.
What is a character who helps the Subject called?
The Helper
Who is the villain in Snow White?
The Evil Queen
Name two typical characteristics of fairy tales.
E.g. magic, good vs. evil, repetition, numbers 3/7, happy endings, stereotypical characters, in the past, heroes and villains, home-out-home, message/lesson
Give an example of how the number 3 can structure a fairy tale. (How can it be used?)
E.g. three characters, three attempts, three challenges, three wishes.
How does The Three Little Pigs fit the Home–Out–Home model?
The pigs leave/establish homes, face the wolf and danger, and eventually reach safety.
What is a character who tries to stop the Subject called?
The Opponent
What makes a good fairy-tale villain? Name two characteristics.
They might be evil, jealous, powerful, selfish, dangerous, cruel, brutal...
Why do fairy tales often use simple characters who are either good or evil?
It makes the conflict clear and helps the audience understand who to support or oppose.
Why do you think numbers such as 3 and 7 appear so often in traditional fairy tales?
They create patterns, rhythm and repetition, making oral stories easier to remember and giving them a familiar structure.
Why is the “Out” part important for the main character?
It creates the conflict and development. Without challenges, the character has little opportunity to change or prove themselves.
In Snow White, who could be the Subject, Object and Opponent?
Subject: Snow White.
Object: safety/freedom/happiness.
Opponent: the Evil Queen.
Are fairy-tale heroes always perfect? Explain using one of the stories you have read.
No. Heroes can make mistakes, be naïve, weak or vulnerable, but they usually overcome difficulties and develop. (Snow-white let the evil queen in, Artuk did all the forbidden things, The two of the little pigs were lazy)