A literary work in which the characters are animals is a ____________

A literary work in which the characters are animals is called a "fable." A fable is a short story that typically features animals or inanimate objects that are personified and act as characters. These characters are often used to teach a moral or lesson to the reader, and the story usually ends with a simple and memorable statement summarizing the moral. Fables have been used for centuries as a way to teach and entertain people of all ages. They are often written for children and are used to help them learn about values such as honesty, kindness, and hard work in a fun and engaging way. Some famous examples of fables include "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," and "The Ant and the Grasshopper." Therefore, "fable" is the correct answer as it best describes a literary work in which the characters are animals, and the story is used to teach a moral or lesson.