Which statement best explains why George Orwell chose to write a fable using animals as the major characters? Because of its indirect approach, a fable about animals could deliver a political critique to a wider audience. Because Soviet leaders often were cruel to their own citizens, portraying them as animals seemed appropriate. By setting the story in the world of animals, Orwell avoided complications that can arise from human behavior. By using animals, Orwell made it clear to the Western world that he wanted them to see the Soviet regime for what it really was.