Characters: The characters in folktales are easy to understand. Folktale characters
usually fall into one of two groups. Characters who are good. And characters who are
wicked.
Animals: In folktales, animals often talk and act like human beings. The animal
characters interact with people. Many animals act as “magic helpers” to the human hero
or heroine of the tale.
tricksters.
Plot
simple patterns. Most heroes and heroines are humble characters who succeed through
used:
1. Openings and Closings
familiar mnemonic aids used by storytellers in English.
2. Formula Three
characters. For example, there may be three brothers and each goes out into the world
number in folktales.
3. Repeated Descriptions
son. This helps the reader to remember the story.
Many folktales share the same characteristics. Folktales are fun to read and write. Try
one!
Page 105 LANGUAGE ARTS PERFORMANCE TASK GRADE 4