* Knows everything: They can see into the minds of all characters, understand their motivations, and reveal hidden truths.
* Is not a character: They exist outside the story, offering an objective view.
* Guides the reader: They emphasize the moral of the story, often using direct statements like "This shows..." or "Therefore...".
Example:
In Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare," the narrator knows the Hare is arrogant and the Tortoise is persistent. We see both their thoughts and actions. The narrator then directly explains the moral: "Slow and steady wins the race."
However, there are exceptions:
* Some fables might use first-person narration, where a character tells the story from their own perspective. This allows for a more personal and engaging experience, but might be limited in revealing the entire story.
* Animal fables, especially, can occasionally take the point of view of the animal character, creating a more relatable and humanized experience. This allows readers to understand the character's thoughts and feelings.
Ultimately, the point of view in a fable serves the purpose of conveying the moral lesson effectively and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. It's less about individual perspective and more about highlighting the universal truths about human nature and behavior.