Another feature of a good story is tropes. Before you give tropes a bad rap, they actually can be handy. Readers have different expectations for the books they read, and tropes can help you meet those expectations.
In an old blog post, I mentioned the tropes I would be having in my fairy tale retelling.
Little Red Riding Hood Retelling
Dire Wolf Character
Young Teens
A Crush on a Prince (Who Can Fly!)
Talking Animals
Found Family
Here’s more I’m adding:
Character With Physical Disability
Confronting Bullies
Mad Scientist
K.A. Ramstad 