Authors in "The Grey Issue" employ fairy tale motifs and structures to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations in several ways. They often invert the typical fairy tale narrative, where women are often the passive recipients of male action. For instance, stories feature female characters who actively seek power and control, as seen in "Girl-King" by Brittany Cavallaro, where the protagonist takes on a traditionally male role. Other narratives, like "The Upper Harz" by Benjamin Nadler, explore the fluidity of gender identity, with characters embodying both masculine and feminine traits. Additionally, works like "The Dog" by Rob Walsh and "Ever After" by Kellie Wells subvert the fairy tale's happily ever after conclusion, questioning the roles of women in society and the expectations placed upon them. Through these narratives, the authors challenge and reshape traditional gender roles and expectations.