Some are based on real characters, often with invented or exaggerated incidents and traits. Why To demonstrate a moral. What A short and fairly simple didactic story in prose or verse usually with animal characters acting as humans. A traditional form of story related to proverbs and folklore. Characters are impersonal-called by generic name.
Characters represent aspects of human nature, e.g., sheep represents innocence.
Usually one two or three characters. Element of trickery as turning point. Usually one incident. More complex than often thought-conveying abstract truth in very few words. Why To tell an entertaining story.