A fable has a basic three-part story structure: a beginning, middle and end. The opening introduces the characters in their natural setting, then a major event leads to the conflict the main character must overcome. In the middle part, the main character struggles, often to the delight of his opponent. When the main character finally prevails over the conflict, the fable ends with a moral lesson.
Fables use simple, short sentences that are easy to read and understand, especially for children. A fable may use prose or a rhyming verse style to add to its readability and enjoyment. The main function of the dialogue, which often uses questions, is to advance the story to its moral conclusion.
The setting for a fable gives a particular location that is important to the characters' actions. Common nature settings include a forest, mountains or a fantasy environment, such as a castle. While the setting is usually simple in description, it is an effective way to introduce different cultures and customs.
Fable characters are stereotypes with human strengths and weaknesses instead of multidimensional characters. A fable normally has only a few characters, sometimes just two: a hero and a villain. Typical nonhuman characters with human traits include a brave bug, wise owl, crafty fox or shy donkey. Using these types of characters eliminate complex personalities so the fable can focus on its moral theme.
The most important part of a fable is its moral lesson at the story's end. Useful and valuable, the moral summarizes the fable in a short statement that is a source of practical wisdom for daily life. In Aesop's story "The Tortoise and the Hare," the moral is that slow and steady wins the race. The moral of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor's New Clothes" is that honesty is the best policy.