Common Beginnings

 Characters

 Magical Occurrence

 Happy Ending

4

The play begins with "Once upon a time…"
"A long, long time ago..."

The play has at least one good character with actions that support those characteristics.

The magical occurrence will be an integral part of the plot with characters involved with the magic.

The play ends with characters resolving their problems, being rewarded and living happily ever after.

 3

The play has a good character and an evil character.

Something magical occurs, it may relate to the plot.

Characters resolve their problems and live happily ever after.

 2

The play has either a good character or an evil character.

Something magic occurs.

The characters live happily ever after.

1

The play does not begin with "Once upon a time…" etc.

The roles of the characters are undefined.

No magic occurs.

There is no apparent ending to the story.