What is the name of a brief story that often uses animals as characters and leads to a moral lesson?

A brief story that often uses animals as characters and conveys a moral lesson is known as a fable. Fables typically feature anthropomorphized animals, who exhibit human-like traits and behaviors, making their interactions relatable while effectively illustrating ethical or moral values. This storytelling form has been prominent in various cultures, with well-known examples such as those attributed to Aesop.

While fairy tales also convey moral lessons, they often involve magical elements and human characters rather than focusing primarily on animals. Parables share similarities with fables in conveying moral lessons, but they typically involve human characters and are often more spiritual or religious in nature. Myths, on the other hand, explain natural phenomena, cultural traditions, or historical events and are generally more complex narratives that do not focus solely on moral lessons through animals. Thus, the correct answer directly aligns with the characteristics described in the question.