The Arable family is a devoted farm family that specializes in raising and selling animals. One fateful day, John Arable decides to slaughter a runt from a litter of piglets born just the previous night. However, his compassionate daughter, Fern, intervenes, passionately pleading for the piglet's life. Touched by her fervor, John agrees to let her keep the piglet, who she names Wilbur. Fern treats Wilbur as her beloved pet, and they develop a deep bond, filled with joy and affection.
As time passes, Wilbur grows larger, prompting John to sell him, much to Fern's heartbreak. Wilbur is sold to Homer Zuckerman, Fern's maternal uncle, which allows her to visit him occasionally. Once in Zuckerman's barnyard, Wilbur wrestles with feelings of loneliness and yearns for the companionship of Fern. The animals around him exhibit distinct personalities; some, like the motherly goose, offer warmth and understanding, while others, such as the head ram, regard him with disdain. One day, amidst his despair, the ram casually reveals to Wilbur that he is being raised for slaughter, leaving Wilbur distraught and fearful for his future.
In his time of need, Wilbur finds solace in the company of Charlotte, a wise barn spider who dwells above his pigpen and overhears his plight. Taking on a nurturing role, she assures Wilbur that she would devise a plan to save him from his grim fate. Meanwhile, Fern often listens to the animals’ conversations despite her mother’s concern about her fixation on them.
As summer drifts by, Charlotte devises a clever scheme. Recognizing that Zuckerman would hesitate to kill a pig known for its fame, she skillfully weaves phrases such as “Some Pig” into her web. This miraculous message transforms Wilbur into a sensation, drawing tourists to the barn in droves. However, the excitement eventually fades and the web with the phrase is destroyed. In response to the goose's suggestion, Charlotte spins another word: “Terrific,” reigniting the public's interest. Although Zuckerman enjoys the newfound fame, his intentions for Wilbur remain unchanged. To help keep the buzz alive, Charlotte instructs Templeton, a gluttonous rat who lives beneath Wilbur's trough, to source yet another word. After some searching, Templeton brings back “Radiant,” which Charlotte weaves into her web.
As the acclaim continues, Zuckerman arranges for Wilbur to participate in the county fair, with Charlotte and Templeton accompanying him. The Arable family also attends the fair, but Fern, who still loves Wilbur, is now older and spends her time with her childhood sweetheart, Henry Fussy. At the fair, Charlotte weaves another word brought by Templeton – “Humble” – into her web at Wilbur's stall. Although Wilbur does not clinch first prize, he receives a special award from the judges. As Charlotte, who has laid an egg sac at the fair, listens to the announcement over the public address system, she realizes that this accolade will secure Wilbur's safety from slaughter. Satisfied that she has successfully protected him, Charlotte is aware that her time is running short; being a barn spider, her life is brief.
Ultimately, Charlotte chooses not to return with Wilbur and Templeton, instead requesting that they take her egg sac back to the barn. In a poignant farewell, Charlotte dies alone at the fairgrounds, knowing that she has accomplished her mission.
Wilbur spends the winter reflecting on his experiences while Charlotte's offspring hatch. While most of the spiderlings fly away, three decide to stay, offering him companionship. Despite this new presence, Wilbur cherishes the memory of Charlotte above all, forever holding her in the highest regard as his beloved friend.
