Research the original fairy tale of “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen. Compare and contrast the key elements of the original story with the Disney adaptation. How does the Disney version differ from the original?

Explore the concept of villain origin stories in literature and film. What are some examples of popular villain origin stories? How do these stories provide a different perspective on well-known villains?

Investigate the character of Ursula in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” What are her motivations and goals in the film? How does she compare to other Disney villains?

Read reviews or summaries of Serena Valentino’s previous books in the “Villains” series. What are some common themes or elements in her writing? How does she approach retelling classic fairy tales from the perspective of the villains?

Research the concept of redemption in literature. How do authors typically portray redemption arcs for villains? Can villains truly be redeemed, or is it just a narrative device?

Explore the theme of power and its corrupting influence in literature. How do characters like Ursula in “The Little Mermaid” or other villains in popular culture become corrupted by power?

Investigate the role of gender in fairy tales and how it is portrayed in “The Little Mermaid.” How does the character of Ursula challenge traditional gender roles and expectations?

Research the concept of antiheroes in literature. How do antiheroes differ from traditional heroes or villains? Can Ursula be considered an antihero in “The Little Mermaid”?

Read interviews or articles about Serena Valentino’s writing process and inspiration for the “Villains” series. How does she approach retelling classic stories from a different perspective?

Explore the theme of identity and self-discovery in literature. How does the character of Ursula in “Poor Unfortunate Soul” grapple with her own identity and desires? How does this compare to other characters in literature who undergo similar journeys?