Tip #3: Try Writing Your Own Trickster Tale

What are the elements that make up a Trickster Tale? Some of the characters that show up in them have a strong character, who might be a little arrogant or evil--out to get the trickster figure. there's often a slow character who's easily fooled (think of Bouki!) And then the trickster, someone without power who has to live by his or her wits (think Malese). How could you write your own

1. Start by picking a setting:

* a school

* a jungle

* under the sea

* Antarctica

* any place you like!

2. Now brainstorm characters, both weak and strong. What animals or people might inhabit such a setting?

3. Pick one of the characters who doesn't have any power. Make him or her your trickster.

4. Now pick another character, who IS powerful. He or she can be the arrogant or evil one. YOU decide what his/her personality traits are.

5. Pick another character who is slow witted.

6. Give personal traits to all the characters, if you can.

7. What can be the Trickster's problem (remember, Malese needed new shoes, or ingredients for rum cake, or a ride home). How can he/she use his or her wits to solve the problem? This takes good problem-solving skills!

8. Now you have an outline for the story--try writing it!

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