The Three Little Pigs is classified as a fairy tale rather than a fable. This story centers around three pig siblings who each build houses of different materials to protect themselves from a wolf. The narrative includes elements like magical talking animals and a moral lesson about hard work and perseverance.
In a fable, the focus typically lies on teaching a moral lesson through a brief narrative featuring animals that act like humans, but the emphasis is more on the lesson than on character development or plot structure. On the other hand, fairy tales, such as The Three Little Pigs, often encompass a more developed storyline, featuring a more adventurous plot and characters who face challenges.
So, while both fables and fairy tales convey morals, The Three Little Pigs fits the fairy tale category due to its engaging story, varied characters, and the role of the wolf in creating tension and resolution.