CHARACTERS
Little Red Riding Hood
Throughout all stories of Little Red Riding Hood, a character depicting Little Red herself is always found. Depending on the type of story and the target audience, the moral lessons derived from Little Reds actions can vary greatly. In original versions, Little Red is living with her mother and sets off to visit her grandmother in the forest who requires some baked goods. She encounters a wolf, is eaten by him and then rescued by a nearby male (typically a huntsman). In further, newer and modern versions, Little Red sometimes portrays the heroine character and often portrays the damsel in distress. In all versions of this story, Little Red has some form of red cloak, cape, jumper or hood that dictates who she is and what she represents.
In traditional literature designed for children, lessons of not straying from the path, avoiding strangers and obeying instructions are taught through supporting characters such as Little Red's mother. She is taught that disobedience has consequences and real danger can be found when talking to strangers. Due to her young age and innocent attitude she appeals greatly to a young audience and is relatable, especially for young girls
In literature targeted at a more adult audience, themes of violence, relationships and sexuality are explored using the character of Little Red and she often portrays a young innocent female.
In traditional literature designed for children, lessons of not straying from the path, avoiding strangers and obeying instructions are taught through supporting characters such as Little Red's mother. She is taught that disobedience has consequences and real danger can be found when talking to strangers. Due to her young age and innocent attitude she appeals greatly to a young audience and is relatable, especially for young girls
In literature targeted at a more adult audience, themes of violence, relationships and sexuality are explored using the character of Little Red and she often portrays a young innocent female.
The Wolf
Following the same pattern as Little Red, a wolf character is always found within classic and modern adaptions of Little Red Riding Hood. In most versions, the wolf depicts the villain who creates the problem in the story and shatters Little Red's innocent world. He is depicted as the one responsible for the conflicts throughout the story and is later taken down by the hero, whoever that may be depending on versioning.
The wolf typically interrupts Little Red on her journey to her grandmothers house and convinces her to stray from the path/delay her trip. He infamously dresses up as Little Red grandmother after he eats her/hides her (depending on versioning) and has a conversation with Little Red about how different he looks to her grandmother. He then usually is killed, with original versions stating he is filled with stones and sewed back up.
Children's literature typically favours the wolf as the evil "mean" figure that scares young children and is one to avoid. He is the "stranger" that threatens the young girl and represents the people that most children's parents instruct them to avoid.
The wolf typically interrupts Little Red on her journey to her grandmothers house and convinces her to stray from the path/delay her trip. He infamously dresses up as Little Red grandmother after he eats her/hides her (depending on versioning) and has a conversation with Little Red about how different he looks to her grandmother. He then usually is killed, with original versions stating he is filled with stones and sewed back up.
Children's literature typically favours the wolf as the evil "mean" figure that scares young children and is one to avoid. He is the "stranger" that threatens the young girl and represents the people that most children's parents instruct them to avoid.
Grandmother
Little Red's grandmother is typically the reason the Little Red comes across the wolf in the first place, and therefore the reason that the story has occurred. She portrays the sick, elderly, innocent lady who needs care/help/food from her granddaughter. In some ways, grandmother is a victim herself and could be considered a "damsel in distress" alongside Little Red as, she too, is affected by the wolfs actions and faces the same fate as Little Red.
She, originally, is the first one to be eaten by the wolf and is (supposedly) stripped of her clothes as the wolf is wearing them when Little Red enters the house. She is later rescued from the wolfs stomach after being cut free and found alive.
Like Little Red, grandmother plays a very innocent role and original versions and those targeted towards children use her as a way to portray the wolf as evil; by attacking an innocent grandmother.
Many re-versionings and later adaptions feature a grandmother-like character but some leave her out entirely, choosing to base the story typically around the little girl/wolf theme i.e. bad vs good.
She, originally, is the first one to be eaten by the wolf and is (supposedly) stripped of her clothes as the wolf is wearing them when Little Red enters the house. She is later rescued from the wolfs stomach after being cut free and found alive.
Like Little Red, grandmother plays a very innocent role and original versions and those targeted towards children use her as a way to portray the wolf as evil; by attacking an innocent grandmother.
Many re-versionings and later adaptions feature a grandmother-like character but some leave her out entirely, choosing to base the story typically around the little girl/wolf theme i.e. bad vs good.
Supporting Characters
Little Red's Mother |
The Huntsman |
Little Red's mother does not play a huge part in the story of Little Red Riding Hood but is nonetheless important as she is the one that sends Little Red off on her journey and instructs her to stay on the path and not talk to strangers. Featured mainly in stories depicted for children, her mother is the sensible character that many children can relate to and apply similar characteristics to their own mothers.
She does not feature heavily in adaptions for adults as moral lessons taught using the character of Little Red's mother do not usually apply to this audience type. |
Although he is often seen as the hero of the story, the huntsman does not play a prominent role in many of the Little Red Riding Hood stories. Coming in just at the end, the huntsman typically cuts open the wolf that has eaten Little Red and her grandmother and rescues both of them before sewing the wolf up and killing him.
Throughout the many tellings of this story the huntsman character varies greatly with numerous male characters filling this "hero" role. |