1. Folk Tales

2. Characteristics
the youngest and smallest of siblings is successful after others in the family fail
wishes are granted
magic objects (rings, beans, or tablecloths) are standard props
animals talk
monsters often appear

3. Characteristics cont. use of trickery
the number three is significant (however, in Native American folktales, four is the magic number)
use of a variety of tools
a poor person becomes rich

4. What else? Stories are usually about normal people.
The stories begin quickly.
Characters are uncomplicated (flat, not round; or one-sided, not multi-sided).
Plots move swiftly along well-trod paths.
All questions are answered before the story ends, but there is plenty of room for flexibility within the plot, from beginning to happy ending.