A young girl lives happily with her father until his death leaves her in the care of a cruel stepmother and stepsisters, who force her into servitude. Often found weeping at her parents' graves, she is discovered there one night by her fairy godmother, visibly distressed over missing the royal ball. With magical aid, a pumpkin becomes a carriage and her clothes transform into a coral-colored gown, complementing her pretty features and blonde hair, which is styled in a familiar fashion. She attends the ball under the condition that the magic expires at midnight. Her hurried departure results in the loss of a glass slipper, which the prince uses to find her. They marry, concluding the story. Her stepmother and stepsisters are portrayed as sinister and catty, yet not overly exaggerated. The character’s portrayal remains simple and direct.