WRITING YOUR FIRST FAIRY TALE
Your assignment is to re-imagine this favorite fairy tale with the Wolf as the star of the story. (Additional resource "What is a Story"—you might want to check it out first!)
STEP ONE:
Review the key scenes of the traditional story of Little Red Riding Hood. You do not have to use these scenes, but use them as a guide if it will help you write your version of the fairy tale. Remember, though, that Little Red Riding Hood is not the protagonist…the WOLF is! How will you change the action? The Point of View (POV)? The protagonist's likes, dislikes, and desires?
Little Red Riding Hood walks through the woods on the way to see Grandma. IN YOUR VERSION: Where is the Wolf walking?
We learn a little about her personality. She has to remind herself to keep on the path, because she’s easily distracted! IN YOUR VERSION: What habits does the Wolf have that might get him in trouble later in the story?
Little Red Riding Hood sees The Wolf. He looks scary, but he tries very hard to win her favor because he is hungry! IN YOUR VERSION: What does the Wolf do when he meets Little Red?
The Wolf and Little Red have a conversation about the goodies she’s carrying in her basket, and where she’s going. The Wolf convinces Little Red to take her time and pick some flowers. She agrees, because she is an imaginative daydreamer and a little naughty…and the wolf is very convincing! IN YOUR VERSION: What does the Wolf think of his conversation with Little Red?
The Wolf runs away as fast as he can, in order to beat Little Red Riding Hood to Grandma’s house. IN YOUR VERSION: What is the Wolf thinking as he runs?
Little Red arrives and wonders about all the things that look a little strange about her grandmother. IN YOUR VERSION: What is he doing/thinking as he waits for Little Red to show up?
Little Red and the Wolf have a second conversation, about his eyes, nose, ears, and teeth…which each exchange, the TENSIONS RISES! IN YOUR VERSION: How does the Wolf feel as the tension rises? Are the tables turned? Is he scared of Little Red?
The Wolf eats Little Red! IN YOUR VERSION: Does he eat Little Red? Or does she eat him?
The Huntsman arrives and saves Little Red and Grandma.IN YOUR VERSION: How does the Wolf react to the Huntsman?
The Wolf runs away into the forest, never to return!IN YOUR VERSION: Does the Wolf run away in your version? Does he stay put? How does he feel?
Although we ask a question at each step, remember, you don't have to follow these steps, or any rules, for that matter. The only thing we ask is that you write a story from the Wolf's perspective. It would also be fun if Little Red Riding Hood played a part in the story, but even that isn't necessary!
STEP TWO:
We all know the story. Let’s outline the key scenes that happen. Note the spots where the characters WANT something, or show PERSONALITY TRAITS and REASONS for the way they behave. Note the “shape” of the story—see how the excitement mounts!
STEP THREE:
Write your story. Start by mapping out your story from the Wolf’s perspective, referring to the Little Red Riding Hood Scenes list if it helps. You can either have him watch Little Red Riding Hood from “behind the scenes" in first-person POV, or you can turn the narrative “camera” on the Wolf and follow him through the story in third-person POV. Or, you can take the story in a completely new direction—as long as it's told from the perspective of the Wolf in the Little Red Riding Hood Story.
Comments