A fractured fairy tale takes a classic story and twists it, turning it on its head, or even adding a whole new layer to the original. Here's how to create your own:
1. Choose your Tale:
* Classic Choice: Begin with a well-known tale like "Cinderella," "Snow White," "The Three Little Pigs," or "The Frog Prince."
* Less Popular: You can also choose a lesser-known fairy tale, which can be fun to give a new life.
2. Choose your Fracture:
* Change the Character: Flip the roles. Make Cinderella the wicked stepmother, or have Snow White be the evil queen.
* Change the Setting: Transport your tale to a different time period or location. "Sleeping Beauty" in a cyberpunk world or "Hansel & Gretel" set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
* Change the Ending: What if Cinderella's glass slipper didn't fit? What if the prince was actually a frog?
* Change the Genre: Turn a traditional fairy tale into a thriller, a romance, or a comedy.
* Add a New Element: Introduce a new character, a magical creature, or a unique twist on the plot that changes the direction of the story.
3. Explore the Themes:
* Subvert Expectations: What are the usual themes of the fairy tale you're working with? (Love, good vs. evil, perseverance, etc.) Challenge those expectations.
* Create New Themes: What is the message you want to convey through your story?
* Use Humor or Satire: Fractured fairy tales can be hilarious! Use humor to poke fun at the original story, social norms, or even current events.
4. Flesh Out the Story:
* Give Characters Depth: Develop the characters beyond their archetypal roles. Why are they acting the way they do? What are their motivations?
* Create a Compelling Plot: Make sure your story has a clear conflict and a satisfying resolution.
* Add Vivid Details: Use vivid imagery and descriptive language to bring your story to life.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment:
* Play with Language: Try using a different voice or tone than the original.
* Mix and Match: Combine elements from different fairy tales to create something unique.
* Have Fun!: The most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow!
Example:
Let's say you choose "The Three Little Pigs." You decide to change the setting to a modern urban environment, and change the ending.
* The Three Little Pigs in the City: The three little pigs are now young adults living in a bustling metropolis. They build their homes, not of straw, sticks, or bricks, but out of cardboard boxes, plastic tarps, and luxury apartments, respectively.
* New Conflict: Instead of a wolf, the pigs face the threat of gentrification, greedy landlords, and the city's harsh realities.
* Twisted Ending: The pig with the luxury apartment is tricked into selling his home, while the other two pigs band together to build a community garden, turning their urban jungle into a haven for themselves and their neighbors.
Remember, there are no limits to your creativity! By playing with the classic elements of fairy tales, you can create a story that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.