When determining the moral of a story that isn’t directly stated by the author, readers should particularly consider how the character changes from the beginning of the story to the end. This transformation often reflects the core themes and lessons of the narrative. By analyzing the character's journey, motivations, and the consequences of their actions, readers can gain insights into the underlying moral messages that the author may be conveying.
While other aspects like the length of the story, its retelling, and the title or illustrations can provide additional context, the character's development is typically a strong indicator of the intended moral.