Traditional Literature

Set in a magical land; good and evil characters; ruled by royalty.

• fairy tales

• legend

• fable

• tall tale

A story handed down from the past about a heroic person, usually with admirable qualities.

• fairy tales

• legend

• fable

• tall tale

Story created to explain a mystery of the world; features gods/goddess; supernatural powers

• fairy tales

• myths

• fable

• tall tale

Humorous story about events and characters that are exaggerated. “Larger than life” characters.

• fairy tales

• myths

• fable

• tall tale

Short story told to teach a lesson/moral. Animals and objects demonstrate personification.

• fairy tales

• myths

• fable

• tall tale

The force or character that works against the main character.

• antagonist

• protagonist

• character

The main character in a story involved in the main conflict.

• antagonist

• protagonist

• character

The broad idea/message  that is found in different times, places, and cultures.

• moral

• conflict

• theme

• universal theme

Statement that is very exaggerated

• idiom

• hyperbole

• personification

• simile

Animals or objects are given human characteristics or actions.

• idiom

• hyperbole

• personification

• simile