1. Anthropomorphic Animals: This is the most common type of character in fables. Animals are given human-like qualities, emotions, and abilities. This allows the story to explore human nature and societal issues through the lens of animal behavior. Examples:
* The Fox and the Grapes: A cunning fox tries to get grapes, but when he fails, he claims they were sour anyway. (Illustrates the concept of sour grapes)
* The Tortoise and the Hare: A slow tortoise wins a race against a speedy hare by being persistent and steady. (Illustrates the power of perseverance)
2. Humans: While less frequent, humans can also be characters in fables. They often represent specific human traits or behaviors, like greed, vanity, or wisdom.
* The Little Red Hen: A hardworking hen struggles to get help from lazy animals to bake bread. (Illustrates the importance of hard work and responsibility)
* The Boy Who Cried Wolf: A shepherd boy repeatedly lies about a wolf attack, causing the villagers to ignore him when a real wolf appears. (Illustrates the consequences of lying and the loss of trust)
3. Inanimate Objects: Occasionally, inanimate objects like plants or items can be given a voice and a role in the story. This often serves to further emphasize the moral lesson or make the story more fantastical.
* The Talking Tree: A wise tree advises a lost traveler on their journey. (Represents wisdom and guidance)
* The Magic Lamp: A genie grants wishes to a person who finds a magical lamp. (Represents opportunity and the consequences of choices)
Key Characteristics of Fables Characters:
* Represent abstract concepts: Characters usually symbolize broader human traits or behaviors, rather than being complex individuals.
* Simple and memorable: Fables often focus on one main character with clear motivations and actions.
* Symbolic and allegorical: Characters and their actions contribute to the moral lesson of the story, which is usually presented explicitly at the end.
Overall, fables use a diverse range of characters, but their primary purpose is to illustrate a universal truth or moral lesson.