Final answer:
A very brief story designed to teach a moral lesson is a fable, which often features animals as characters and concludes with a moral statement to guide the reader.
Step-by-step explanation:
A very brief story told to teach a moral lesson is known as a fable. Fables are a form of literature characterized by their brevity, simple narratives, and the inclusion of animals or inanimate objects as characters that exhibit human-like qualities. The intention is to deliver a moral message, commonly stated at the end of the story, which is intended to guide the reader's behavior or thinking.
Historically, many of these stories, such as those in Aesop's Fables or collected by the Brothers Grimm, convey morals and lessons that remain relevant in modern times. Such stories are often used in education to illustrate valuable life lessons and principles of human conduct. Examples of morals from these tales include "necessity is the mother of invention" and "even the smallest animals serve a mighty purpose", showcasing the timeless nature of fable teachings.