Summary of Charlotte's Web by E.B White

Charlotte's Web focuses on the life of a pig named Wilbur. Wilbur was born the runt of a large litter of pigs, and was going to be slaughtered before the farmer's daughter, Fern, intervened and vowed to nurture and care for him. She begs her father to allow her to care for him, and finally her relents. After a few month under her care, Wilbur grows plump enough to be sold to her uncle's farm. Fern visits him frequently, but over time begins to lose interest as she grows up. On his new farm, Wilbur is shunned by the other animals. His only comfort is when Fern comes to visit him, which is hard for her as she grows or when the weather is bad.

One day, Wilbur makes the acquaintance of Charlotte, a spider who lives in the barn. Charlotte enjoys his conversation and companionship. When Wilbur learns he is destined for slaughter, Charlotte comes up with a scheme to save his life. She weaves adjectives into her web to describe Wilbur. When the neighbors and the newspaper reporters see it, they suspect that it is a sign from God. Wilbur becomes a local celebrity.

When his owners take Wilbur to a fair to show him off, both Wilbur and Charlotte know that if Wilbur does not win a prize, he may not survive. While Wilbur is not able to win a prize, Charlotte's webs impress enough people to save his life. While they're there, Charlotte creates her magnum opus, her egg sack. Wilbur does not at first understand that Charlotte must die after laying her eggs. When he learns this is the case, he is heartbroken, but decides to move her eggs back to the farm with him so that he can always remember her.

When the eggs hatch, all but three of the spiders catch the wind currents and move on to new homes. Three of Charlotte's children stay behind and keep Wilbur company for many years.