1. They feature animal characters with human-like qualities: Fables often use animals to represent human traits and behaviors, making the story relatable to readers. For example, a fox might represent cunning, a lion might represent power, and a rabbit might represent timidity. This allows the story to explore themes of morality, wisdom, and social dynamics in a playful and accessible way.
2. They convey a moral lesson: The primary purpose of a fable is to teach a lesson about life or behavior. This moral is usually explicitly stated at the end of the story in a concise statement called a "moral." The moral can focus on themes like honesty, hard work, kindness, or the consequences of greed.