The Arable family operates a farm where they raise and sell animals. One day, John Arable contemplates slaughtering a tiny piglet from a recent litter, but his daughter Fern intervenes passionately, begging him to spare the little one. Touched by his daughter’s plea, John concedes and gifts her the piglet, which Fern names Wilbur. As they spend time together, Wilbur becomes more than just a pet; he is cherished and loved by Fern. However, as time passes and Wilbur grows, John decides to sell him, leaving Fern heartbroken. Wilbur is given to Fern’s uncle, Homer Zuckerman, which allows Fern to visit him from time to time.

Once settled in Zuckerman’s barn, Wilbur finds himself in a community filled with other farm animals that exhibit human-like qualities. In this new world, he longs for Fern’s presence while navigating the mixed reactions from the other animals. Some, like a nurturing goose, offer him support, while others, such as the domineering head ram, are far less kind. The head ram reveals the grim reality of Wilbur’s situation: that Zuckerman is raising him for slaughter. This shocking information leaves Wilbur in despair, until he meets a wise barn spider named Charlotte, who resides in a web conveniently located above his pigpen. Charlotte assumes a maternal role, promising Wilbur that she will devise a plan to preserve his life.

Summer unfolds, and Charlotte works diligently to come up with a strategy. She understands that if Wilbur achieves fame, Zuckerman will hesitate to kill him. To kick off her plan, she spins words and phrases into her web, starting with “Some Pig.” The sight of the miraculous web draws in visitors, turning Wilbur into a local sensation. Yet, as the initial excitement fades, Charlotte’s message is destroyed. Following the goose’s advice, Charlotte weaves in the word “Terrific,” sparking renewed interest in Wilbur. Although it brings joy to Zuckerman, his intent to slaughter Wilbur remains unchanged. Charlotte seeks further words to attract public attention and enlists the help of Templeton, a greedy rat that lives beneath Wilbur’s trough. He discovers an advertisement with the word “Radiant,” and Charlotte incorporates that into her web as well.

Thanks to this newfound fame, Zuckerman decides to enter Wilbur into the county fair, along with Charlotte and Templeton. The Arables also attend the fair, but Fern, who still cherishes Wilbur, has grown up and spends time with her boyfriend, Henry Fussy. At the fair, Charlotte weaves another word suggested by Templeton, “Humble,” into her web at Wilbur’s stall. Although Wilbur does not win first prize, he is honored with a special award, leading Charlotte to realize that Zuckerman will love Wilbur for life and never consider slaughtering him. This joy is bittersweet for Charlotte, as she is nearing the end of her life. With her days numbered, she shares a final wish: for Wilbur to take her egg sac back to the barn. After fulfilling her request, she passes away at the fair, leaving Wilbur devastated.

As winter approaches, Wilbur waits through the cold season, during which Charlotte’s egg sac hatches. While most of her offspring decide to leave, three choose to remain with Wilbur, providing companionship. Despite this, Wilbur forever holds Charlotte in the highest regard, cherishing the memory of the devoted friend who saved his life.