The common term for a story that teaches a moral lesson is a fable. Fables are typically short and feature animals that speak and act like humans, illustrating specific moral lessons or values. These stories have been used across cultures and generations to convey ethical teachings to both children and adults. Well-known examples include Aesop's Fables, which feature characters such as the Tortoise and the Hare, illustrating the importance of perseverance and humility. Fables serve as an engaging way to instill virtues and provoke reflection on moral dilemmas in a simplified narrative format.