The initial problem for a storied duckling is UGLINESS. UGLINESS is a physical trait that can be seen as a negative quality, and it is often used to describe someone or something that is not attractive. In the classic story of The Ugly Duckling, the main character is born into a family of swans, but he is much less attractive than the other birds. He is ridiculed and ostracized by the other animals, and this serves as the initial problem for the duckling.