A fairy tale is a story, typically written for children, that features magical characters, a clear protagonist with a good versus evil dichotomy, and fantastical settings. Many fairy tales have roots in traditional tales told before written records. Some of Western culture’s most famous fairy tales are Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin, and Pinocchio. Common motifs that link most fairy tales and define the genre include supernatural adversaries and powers, helpers, and magic objects.

The conflict in fairy tales centers on an innocent protagonist facing a seemingly insurmountable foe. The protagonist must receive help from natural and supernatural helpers and family members to vanquish their adversary. In the American cultural context, Disney movies are central. Most of these cinematic versions of traditional fairy tales feature an innocent female princess who faces corruption by an evil adversary; the young woman must recruit the help of a supernatural friend and romantic interest to defeat their foe. The level of autonomy and engagement of the female protagonist varies drastically from tale to tale. Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1959) features a princess who plays no part in her rescue.