NARRATOR: Props play a significant role in Fantastic Mr. Fox. For instance, they are used quite effectively to establish character. The farmers, Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, are all styled differently. They are each shown against a specific backdrop with a distinct set of props, creating a unique iconography for each farmer.

The film's plot even revolves around the fate of a key prop, Mr. Fox's tail. While emerging from his tree for a late night thieving mission, Fox is ambushed by the three farmers. But they only manage to shoot off this tail before he disappears back down into the tree. Bean retrieves Fox's tail, fashions it into a tie, and wears it as a trophy around his neck, baiting Fox's son Ash, who vows to retrieve it.