Novella: Definition, Examples, Key Characteristics
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 7 min read

Contents

If you've ever been stuck wondering about the "definition of a novella", you're not alone. This literary term is often tossed around in literary circles, but its exact meaning can be somewhat elusive. Today, we're going to clear up any confusion you might have about what a novella is, how it differs from a novel or a short story, and why you might want to consider writing one.

What is a Novella?

Let's start with the basics. A novella, according to the dictionary, is a "short novel or long short story". But let's dig a little deeper into what that means.

Definition of a Novella

The definition of a novella can vary slightly depending on who you ask, but the general consensus is that a novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. Novellas typically range from about 20,000 to 50,000 words. They often focus on a single character or event and explore it in depth.

Origins of the Novella

Novellas have been around for a while — they originated in Italy during the Renaissance. The term "novella" comes from the Italian word "novella," which means "new." Just as "novel" means "new" in English, "novella" was used to describe these new, shorter forms of fiction that were gaining popularity.

Novella and Modern Literature

Fast forward to today, and novellas are still an important part of the literary landscape. Many authors find that the novella is the perfect length to tell a concise, impactful story. In fact, many well-known pieces of literature, such as "Animal Farm" by George Orwell and "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, are novellas.

Characteristics of a Novella

Now that we've covered the basic definition of a novella, let's dive into some of the key characteristics that set novellas apart from other forms of fiction.

Focused Plot and Characters

One of the primary characteristics of a novella is its focus. Because of its shorter length, a novella typically revolves around a single character, event, or idea. There's no room for intricate subplots or sprawling cast of characters you might find in a novel. Every word in a novella counts, contributing to the central theme or narrative.

More Depth than a Short Story

While novellas are concise, they offer more depth than a short story. Characters are more developed, and there's more space to explore themes and motifs. You get a sense of a complete world, even if the focus is narrow.

Consistent Tone and Theme

Novellas, due to their shorter length, often maintain a consistent tone and theme throughout. Unlike novels, which may have shifts in mood or theme across different sections, a novella's compact nature allows for a more unified narrative experience.

Impactful and Thought-Provoking

Finally, novellas often pack a punch. They're designed to leave an impact, to make you think, and to stay with you long after you've finished reading. Thanks to their focused narrative and depth, novellas can offer a powerful reading experience in a short amount of time.

Novella vs. Novel vs. Short Story

At this point, you might be wondering about how a novella stacks up against a novel or a short story. Let's shed some light on this by comparing their definitions and key differences.

Length Matters

Perhaps the most straightforward difference between a novella, a novel, and a short story is their length. A short story is the briefest, typically under 7,500 words. A novella is longer, ranging from around 20,000 to 50,000 words. A novel, on the other hand, is the longest of the three, usually over 50,000 words.

Plot Complexity

As we've mentioned before, a novella tends to focus on a single character or event. A novel, with its longer length, can support a more complex plot with multiple characters and subplots. A short story usually centers around a single incident, with little room for extensive character development or plot twists.

Depth of Exploration

A novella strikes a balance between the brevity of a short story and the extensive narrative of a novel. It allows for a deeper exploration of character and theme than a short story but remains more focused and concise than a novel.

Reading Experience

The reading experience also varies between these three forms. A short story can often be read in one sitting, offering a brief but engaging narrative. A novella, while also potentially a one-sit read, provides a more immersive experience due to its greater depth. A novel, on the other hand, requires a more significant time commitment, allowing for a deeper dive into the characters, plot, and themes.

Understanding these differences will help you decide which format best suits your reading preferences or—if you're an aspiring writer—your writing style and the story you want to tell.

Notable Novella Examples

Now that you're familiar with the definition of a novella, let's take a look at some famous examples to help solidify the concept.

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell

George Orwell's "Animal Farm" is a classic example of a novella. Coming in at around 30,000 words, it's not too long, yet packed with a powerful punch. This allegorical novella uses a group of farm animals to critique totalitarian regimes. It's a prime example of how a novella can explore a specific theme in depth without being as lengthy as a novel.

"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" is another well-known novella. It illustrates the harsh realities of the American Dream during the Great Depression. This story, just over 30,000 words, focuses on two displaced ranch workers, showing how a novella can present complex characters and storylines within a condensed format.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote is a novella that has gained iconic status, thanks in part to the film adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn. This story, about a young woman in New York City trying to pursue her dreams, is a testament to the way a novella can capture a particular time, place, and mood in a compact package.

These examples should give you a better idea of what a novella looks like in practice. Each one is unique, but they all share common characteristics that align with the definition of a novella we discussed earlier.

How to Write a Novella

You now know the definition of a novella and have seen some examples. What's next? Let's examine how to write a novella of your own.

Choose a Single Idea or Theme

Given the shorter length of a novella, it's best to focus on a single idea or theme. Unlike a novel, which can tackle multiple plotlines and themes, a novella allows you to dive deep into one specific aspect. Is there a particular idea or question that captivates you? That could be the basis for your novella.

Develop Your Characters

Characters are key in a novella. They don't have to be numerous, but they need to be well-developed and interesting. Remember, you have fewer words to work with, so every detail about your characters should serve a purpose in the story. Try to make your characters as relatable and complex as possible.

Outline the Structure

When writing a novella, you'll want to have a clear structure in mind. This can be a simple beginning, middle, and end, or it can be more complex, depending on your story. However, remember that the tighter your outline is, the more concise your novella will be.

Write Concisely

Writing a novella requires you to be concise. Every sentence should move the story forward. If a sentence doesn't contribute to character development or plot advancement, consider removing it. This is where the art of writing a novella truly shines — in its brevity and precision.

With these steps in mind, you're well on your way to writing a novella. Remember, the definition of a novella isn't just about word count—it's about creating a compelling, concise story that delivers a powerful punch.

Why Write a Novella?

Having explored the definition of a novella and how to write one, you might wonder why you should consider writing a novella in the first place. Let's dig into some of the perks of this literary form.

Perfect for Busy Schedules

Life can get hectic, and setting aside time to write a full-length novel might seem impossible. Novellas, however, are shorter and require less time to write. They're a fantastic option for writers who have limited time but still want to tell a complete, engaging story.

Great for Exploring a Single Idea

Do you have a powerful idea that's been nagging at you, but it doesn't seem 'big' enough to be a novel? A novella might be the perfect vehicle for it. Novellas allow writers to fully explore one main idea or theme without needing to add extra plotlines or characters.

A Chance to Hone Your Writing Skills

Because of their brevity, novellas force writers to be precise and concise in their storytelling. This can be a great exercise in improving your writing skills. You'll have to make every word count, which can help you become a more effective and efficient writer.

Increased Publishing Opportunities

Finally, it's worth noting that novellas are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the digital publishing world. The shorter format is perfect for e-books and online reading, opening up more opportunities for writers to have their work published and read.

In conclusion, writing a novella can offer numerous benefits, from fitting into a busy schedule to improving your writing skills. Understanding the definition of a novella can open up a whole new world of storytelling opportunities for you. Happy writing!

If you're intrigued by the world of novellas and want to explore the process of writing and publishing your own, check out the workshop 'From Idea To Published Novel' by Catherine McKenzie. This workshop will provide you with invaluable insights on how to develop your story idea, create captivating characters, and navigate the publishing process to bring your novella to life.