How to write a fable

1. HOW TO WRITE A FABLE

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

3. 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
***

4. Moral
a life long lesson
Life-long lesson
Do to others as you would like
them to do to 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.
Write down a few morals you think you can
use. ***

5. 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
***

6. Setting…
Where/ When story takes
place
SETTING
SEASON TIME PLACE
SUMMER / WINTER
SPRING / AUTUMN
DAY
NIGHT
DUSK / DAWN
NOON / MIDNIGHT
OCEAN
SCHOOL
DESERT
FOREST

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

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

9. 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
***