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A short story is typically shorter in length, focusing on a single event or theme with limited character development. A novel, on the other hand, is longer and allows for more complex plots, detailed character development, and subplots. Novels also have more room for exploring multiple themes and storylines.

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3w ago
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13y ago

Length: The most obvious difference between a short story and a novel is length, typically measured in the number of words contained within. A short story, as the moniker suggests, usually consists of only a few thousand words, while a novel can contain tens of thousands. The exact number differs depending on the specifications of the publisher, but a short story is usually somewhere between 2500 and 5000 words, while a novel can be upwards of 50,000.

Pace: Due to their relatively small word counts, short stories can't waste time with detailed descriptions or unnecessary details. The action has to start immediately, usually at the very beginning of the piece, and continue through to the resolution with no downtime. A novel, on the other hand, has time to gradually build up to the conflict and can delve deeper into the interactions and motivations of the characters, adding side details and background information throughout. In racing terms, a short story is a sprint, while a novel is a marathon.

Characters: Because of the word count constraints, short stories typically have only a few characters, with very little in-depth descriptions of their physical appearance or inner thoughts. The action has to happen quickly and carry through to the end, and a quick story is difficult with a dozen characters to keep track of. Novels are worlds of their own, though, with larger casts of main, side and recurring characters.

Plot: In terms of plot, a short story is like a half-hour television show, while a novel is more like a full-length movie. Short stories usually consist of only a few scenes: an introduction, conflict and resolution in relatively rapid succession. A novel has a much deeper plot, usually with a subplot or two intertwined. Novels incorporate richer character development than short stories can offer, furthering the plot with flashbacks, foreshadowing and inner reflection.

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15y ago

A novel is a long book, around 300 pages and a short story is only 5 - 20 pages long. Dr Johnson defines a novel as- "A small tale, generally of love" So in the past a novel usually had a love interest.

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14y ago

action takes place in a relatively brief period of time.

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11y ago

short story has a single plot while a novel has multiple plots

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Q: What is the difference between a short story and novel?
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