Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability people have to look beyond observed behavior and to make inferences about unobservable mental states of themselves and others and to understand that (a) others have beliefs, desires, and goals that differ from their own and (b) this knowledge can help interpret, explain, and predict others’ behavior (De Bruin & Newen, 2012).

A theory of mind analysis of the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood” offers a realistic and remarkable example of what a difference our knowledge about minds makes in how we interpret and understand others. Angeline S. Lillard (1997) used the story of Little Red Riding Hood to show how individuals’ understanding about minds differs when they interpret and understand others’ minds. Little Red Riding Hood hears ...