What makes a Trickster Tale? Read a few to get an idea of some of their key elements. (Please, Malese! is an example of a classic trickster tale. So are the Anansi and Brer Rabbit stories.)
Some of the characters that show up in trickster tales 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 there’s the trickster, someone without power who has to live by his or her wits (think Malese).
How to 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 a trickster from one of the characters who doesn’t have any power.
4. Now pick the arrogant or evil character. This character IS powerful. 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. Create a problem for the Trickster. (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 that you have an outline for the story–try writing it!
