Select a main character, such as slow bird, worm or awkward child to be the hero of the story. A reader relates to the hero, or protagonist, based on the hero's experiences and physical features. The hero may be small, causing other characters to doubt the hero's strengths. A hero may also be large, such as the tallest child in the class, who everyone thinks is a bully, but really has a heart of gold and is willing to help anyone. Choose a main character who can easily learn and change for the better, teaching children a positive lesson in the storybook.
Offer support to the protagonist with a mentor. A mentor is the protagonist's voice of reason that guides the protagonist through tough situations. Mentors are aware of the protagonist's strengths and weaknesses, and will do anything to help the protagonist in any situation. Select an older person, such as a grandparent or older sibling, to serve as the mentor in a children's story. A lion, also a symbol of wisdom, could guide characters in a story and become a safe keeper of secrets.
Villains belong in any well written fairytale. Villains, or antagonists, work against the hero throughout the story, revealing the hero's strengths or powers. Choose a character with a mischievous or dark demeanor, such as a weasel or troll, to be the villain in the story. A beautiful woman or handsome man with striking features may also serve as villain, since beauty is often viewed as vain and selfish. Villains often are portrayed with dark clothing and rough facial features, and appear to be clever.
Give the reader a good laugh by including a comedic character in your story. Comic relief characters provide humor in scary and serious situations, easing the tension the reader feels when the story is suspenseful. Select a character with exaggerated features, such as hippopotamus or elephant, to add humor to a story about animals. Choose a clumsy parent or friend to provide comedic relief in a story about kids. Comic relief characters may also double up as the voice of reason for the main character, or the villain's hopeless sidekick who ruins every plan the villain has.