Novella: Definition, Examples, Key Characteristics

Contents

1. What is a novella?
2. Key characteristics of a novella
3. Differences between a novella, novel, and short story
4. Famous examples of novellas
5. How to write a novella

In the vast world of literature, there's a unique form of written art that sits comfortably between a short story and a full-length novel. This form is known as a novella. A novella is like a delicious appetizer before a grand meal or a sweet dessert after a satisfying main course, perfect for when you want a comprehensive story in a shorter time. So, let's dive in and define novella, understand its key characteristics, and look at some famous examples. If you've ever thought about writing your own, we'll also discuss how to go about it. Ready? Let's get started!

What is a novella?

First things first, let's answer the question: what exactly is a novella? It might seem a bit hard to define novella without understanding its place in the literary spectrum. So, let's put it in simple terms.

Novella in the Literary Spectrum

A novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel—think of it as the middle sibling in the family of narrative forms. While there's no strict word count to define novella, it typically ranges from about 20,000 to 50,000 words. That's enough room for a plot to flourish, yet concise enough to be read in one or two sittings.

Defining Novella: Its Core Elements

But length isn't the only thing that helps to define novella. There are several key characteristics that make a novella what it is:

• It usually focuses on a single incident or character.
• It often explores a specific theme or idea.
• It typically lacks the sub-plots and multiple perspectives you might find in a novel.

In other words, when you're reading a novella, you're getting a story that's focused, compact, and thoughtfully crafted. It's a form of literature that pushes you to think and reflect, all while delivering a compelling narrative.

The Novella's Place in History

Now that we've managed to define novella in terms of its length and characteristics, you might be wondering about its role in literary history. The novella isn't a new kid on the block—it has been around for centuries. From the novellas of the Italian Renaissance to the modern classics we'll discuss later, the novella has been a beloved form of storytelling that continues to enchant readers around the world.

So, there you have it! Now we've managed to define novella in a nutshell. But how does it differ from other forms of literature like novels and short stories? And what are some famous novellas you might have heard of? Read on to find out!

Key characteristics of a novella

Now that we've managed to define what a novella is, let's move on to the unique elements that distinguish a novella from other types of literary works. As mentioned earlier, a novella is a compact, focused narrative that delves into a single incident or character. But what does this mean in terms of its actual characteristics? Let's explore.

Concise and Focused

To start with, a novella is a master of brevity and precision. Unlike a novel, a novella does not have the luxury of sprawling sub-plots or a large cast of characters. Instead, it zeroes in on a singular event or person, and everything in the story revolves around this central element. This makes every word, every sentence, every page count.

Exploration of a Single Theme or Idea

A key marker of a novella is its exploration of a single theme or idea. Whether it's a moral quandary, a philosophical concept, or a social issue, a novella often uses its narrative to delve into this topic in depth. This thematic concentration makes the novella a powerful tool for prompting readers to think, analyze, and reflect.

Character Development over Plot Complexity

When it comes to novellas, character growth often takes precedence over complex plot twists. It's not that novellas don't have engaging plots—they do. But the limited length means the focus is more on how a character responds to the events rather than the events themselves. This results in a rich, intimate look into a character's inner world and transformations.

Impactful and Memorable

Finally, a well-written novella leaves a lasting impact. Due to its short length, the story has to hit hard and fast. This often results in a narrative that's poignant, thought-provoking, and memorable, something that stays with the reader long after they've turned the last page.

So, these are some of the key characteristics that define a novella. In the next section, we'll compare novellas with novels and short stories to help you better understand these differences. And don't forget—we'll also discuss some famous novellas and give you tips on how to write one!

Differences between a novella, novel, and short story

Understanding the differences between a novella, a novel, and a short story can sometimes feel like figuring out a puzzle. But don't worry—we're here to help break it down for you. Here are the main ways these three literary forms differ from each other.

Length

First and foremost, the length of these three forms is a major distinguishing factor. Novels are the longest, often crossing 40,000 words. Short stories, on the other hand, are the shortest, typically not exceeding 7,500 words. Novellas fall right in the middle, usually ranging between 20,000 and 40,000 words. It's like Goldilocks and the Three Bears—novellas are the just-right length!

Narrative Complexity

The length of these forms directly affects their narrative complexity. Novels, with their ample word count, can afford to spin intricate plots with multiple subplots and a diverse cast of characters. Short stories, due to their brevity, usually focus on a single incident or character. Novellas, though longer than short stories, still need to maintain narrative focus and can't stray too far into subplots or minor characters.

Themes and Depth

While all three forms can explore themes and ideas, the way they do so differs. Novels can tackle multiple themes or ideas at once, while short stories usually only have room for one. Novellas, on the other hand, often explore a single theme or idea in depth, providing a focused yet thorough exploration.

Character Development

When it comes to character development, novels have the most room to flesh out characters and their arcs. Short stories, due to their short length, often focus more on the situation than the character. Novellas, however, strike a balance. While they don't have the room for extensive character development found in novels, they offer more depth than short stories, often focusing on how a character changes in response to a single incident or conflict.

So, there you have it—the primary differences between a novella, a novel, and a short story. In the next part of our exploration to define novella, we'll be diving into some famous examples you might already know.

Famous examples of novellas

Now that we've navigated through the choppy waters of literary definitions, let's set our sights on some famous examples of novellas. These works perfectly illustrate the defining characteristics of a novella we've discussed so far.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

'Animal Farm' is a striking example of a novella. With a word count of around 30,000, Orwell has presented a story that is short yet has immense depth. This allegorical novella explores a single theme, the corrupting influence of power, through its cast of farm animals. Its focused narrative and thematic depth are hallmarks of a novella.

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

Truman Capote's 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' is another fantastic example of a novella. This work, with its memorable protagonist Holly Golightly, provides a focused exploration of a character's life in a limited setting—another defining characteristic of a novella.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' is a quintessential novella that beautifully illustrates the genre's ability to present a concise, yet emotionally resonant narrative. Despite its relatively short length, the novella manages to explore themes of friendship, dreams, and loneliness with a depth typically seen in longer works.

These examples should give you a clear idea of what a novella looks like in practice. Each of these works, while distinct in their settings and themes, exemplify the key characteristics that define novella as a literary form.

How to write a novella

Are you inspired to try your hand at this unique form of storytelling? Excellent! Writing a novella might seem like a daunting task, but don't worry—I'm here to guide you through it. Let's discuss some steps you can take to craft a compelling novella.

Focus on a Single Theme or Idea

Remember, novellas are not about sprawling epic narratives. Instead, they focus on a single theme or idea. Start by pinpointing the central theme you want to explore. This could be a concept, an emotion, or a particular event. The important thing is to keep it focused.

Create Interesting Characters

Just because a novella is shorter doesn't mean it can't have captivating characters. Think about the characters in 'Of Mice and Men' or 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. They are memorable, aren't they? This is what you want to achieve. Spend time crafting your characters and make sure they are complex and engaging.

Keep the Plot Simple

With a novella, you don't have the luxury of a stretched-out plot. Your story needs to be straightforward and easy to follow. This doesn't mean it can't be exciting or surprising; just remember to keep it contained within your chosen theme or idea.

Revise and Edit

Last but not least, revise and edit your work. This is important in any form of writing, but it's especially crucial when you're writing a novella. Since every word counts in this shorter format, you need to make sure that every sentence contributes to the overall story.

Remember, the journey to define novella through your writing can be as simple or as complex as you make it. The key is to start with a clear idea, create engaging characters, keep your plot simple, and revise until it shines. Happy writing!

If you've enjoyed exploring the world of novellas and want to delve deeper into the art of visual storytelling, check out Lily Stock's workshop, 'How To Design Your First Visual Story.' This workshop will provide you with the tools and techniques to create engaging visual narratives that captivate your audience.