The basic structure of a story can be set down in a few sentences. It
is called a 'Précis' of the story. Here is a précis
of Cinderella:
| 1. |
Cinderella's father is a widower who has remarried to a woman with
two ugly daughters.
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| 2. |
Cinderella is orphaned when her father dies. The stepmother is
jealous of Cinderella who is more beautiful than her daughters.
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| 3. |
The stepmother makes Cinderella into a servant. Cinderella is very
unhappy.
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| 4. |
The Prince is looking for a wife. He invites all eligible ladies
to a Ball so he can find one.
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| 5. |
The stepmother does not allow Cinderella to go, but Cinderella
has a fairy Godmother.
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| 6. |
The Fairy Godmother is able to give Cinderella the clothes and
coach to go to the ball.
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| 7. |
The magic of the fairy godmother only lasts a short time. Cinderella
is a success at the ball but must leave before the Prince can discover
whom she is.
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| 8. |
She rushes off but leaves her slipper.
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| 9. |
The Prince finds the slipper, and is able to trace her. He marries
her. Etc.
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The story is completely summed up so that anyone making it into a film
would have a clear idea of the development. Yet it is still open to a
variety of interpretations.
You can retain the same basic structure yet come up with a different
story. Here are some variations on the Cinderella story:
