Folktales feature common people, such as peasants, and commonplace events. Characters are usually flat, representing human frailty. Folktales have tight plot structures, filled with conflict. There is often a cycle of three in folktales. Elements of magic or magical characters may be incorporated, but logic rules so the supernatural must be plausible and within context.

Hansel and Gretel
(Dodd, Mead, 1984)
Retold by Rika Lesser and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky