This document provides guidance on writing fables, including the key elements that make up a fable. It explains that fables are stories that use animals as characters to teach a moral or life lesson. It identifies the main elements of a fable as the moral, animals and their names, setting, character introduction, dialogue, sequenced story events, and concluding moral. The document provides examples of common morals used in fables and suggests animals that typically serve as "good guys" and "bad guys." It also offers tips for choosing setting details and naming animals in a way that enhances the story and moral.

1. Fables…
… a story that teaches a lesson
…characters are animals
…animals talk
***

2. Fable Elements
Many things to think about before writing a fable
• Moral – a lesson
• Animals
• Animals’ names
• Setting
• Introducing the animals/characters
• Dialogue between characters
• Sequencing events of the story
• Conclusion of story / moral
***

3. Moral
a life long lesson
Life-long lesson
Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you.
Cheaters never win.
Don’t judge a book by its
cover.
Good lessons – but not
considered a life-long
lesson-
Not a Moral
Pick up trash on the road.
Brush your teeth three times
a day.
Don’t hit your brother or
sister.
Jot down a few morals you think you can use.
***

4. Choose your animals (2)
• Animals should “go
with the moral”
• Often a “good
guy/bad guy
relationship”
• Often they are
“natural enemies”
• Personification:
animals take on
human
characteristics
Good Guy/Bad Guy
Mouse/Snake
Natural Enemies
Cat/Dog
Bad:
snake/shark/bear/lion/rat
Good:
bunny/mouse/kitten/cow
***

5. Setting…
When/Where
Story takes place
S u m m e r/W in te r
S p rin g /A u tu m n
S e a s o n
D a y /N ig h t D u s k /D a w n
N o o n /M id n ig h t
T im e
S c h o o l
O c e a n
D e s e rt
P la c e
S e ttin g
***

6. Names of Animals
Names should suit the
moral/story/setting
Slither, the snake – desert
Tightwad Weasel – pasture
Sly Fox – forest
Messy Mouse – barn
Goldie Fish - ocean/pond
Hairy Bear - cave
Fluffy Bunny - hole in ground
***

7. Writing the Story
• Beginning
Setting
• Middle
Introduce Characters
Problem
Events
• End
Conclusion
Moral
***

8. Remember Fable
Elements
There are many things to think about before writing a
fable• Moral – teaches a life-long lesson
• Animals
• Animals’ names
• Setting
• Introducing the animals/characters
• Dialogue between characters
• Sequencing events of the story
• Conclusion of story / moral
***