The Plot of a typical Folktale

At the start of a typical folktale, something magical happens: The character has a problem, but something magical appears to solve it, OR The character was doing fine, but an evil magical something appears to cause problems.

In the Middle of a typical folktale, something happens three times: A hero faces three challenges, OR Three different characters (often siblings) each face the same challenge.

The End of a typical folktale: the main character becomes rich & evil one is often killed.

Jack and the Beanstalk	Jack is starving, but gets the magic beans.	Jack must steal three items from the giant’s castle,	The giant falls to his death; Jack becomes rich.
Cinderella	Cinderella can’t go to the ball, but meets her fairy godmother.	Cinderella and her two step-sisters each try the shoe.	Cinderella marries the prince (and in some versions, the sisters are killed).
Rumplestilskin	The tailor’s daughter can’t turn straw into gold, but Rumplestilskin (who can) appears.	The tailor’s daughter gets three attempts to guess Rumplestilskin’s name.	Rumplestilskin dies in a fit of rage; the Tailor’s daughter marries the king.
Three Billy Goats Gruff	The three goats find a troll under the bridge who blocks their way.	Each of the three billy goats must face the troll under the bridge.	The Troll dies by falling off the bridge.
Little Red Riding Hood	Little Red Riding Hood meets the wolf.	Little Red riding Hood puts three questions to the wolf.	The wolf is killed by the woodsman
Three Little Pigs	The three pigs build their houses, but the wolf appears.	Each of the three pigs faces the wolf within each of their houses.	The wolf falls into the pig’s fire.
Hansel & Gretel	Hansel and Gretel are starving, but find a house made out of food.		The witch is pushed into a fire; Hansel and Gretel have food.
The Three Bears	Goldilocks is lost in the woods but finds the bears’ house.	Goldilocks tries three sets of three things: Porridge, chairs and beds.	Goldilocks escapes.

Other elements often found in Folktales:

Magic sleep

Snow White, Sleeping Beauty,

Talking animals

Three Billy Goats Gruff, Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, Three Pigs