allegory

This term describes a narrative device where characters and events act as stand-ins for broader concepts, such as virtue, vice, or political ideologies. It transforms an abstract idea into a concrete story, allowing the author to critique society or teach a moral lesson without stating the point explicitly. While a symbol is a single object representing an idea, an allegory is an extended metaphor that spans an entire work. It is frequently employed in religious texts, political satires, and children's fables to make complex philosophical arguments more accessible.