A novella is a narrative prose fiction that falls in length between a short story and a novel.
Understanding the Novella
The term novella refers to a specific category of fiction writing defined primarily by its length. It is longer than most short stories and novelettes but shorter than a typical novel. This intermediate length allows for more complex plots and character development than a short story, but often maintains a tighter focus than a full-length novel.
- Key Characteristic: Length is the primary distinguishing factor.
- Narrative Form: It is a form of prose fiction.
- Position: It sits between the short story and the novel on the spectrum of fiction lengths.
Origin of the Term
The English word "novella" has interesting roots. It originates from the Italian word novella. According to historical usage, the Italian term meant "a short story related to true (or apparently so) facts." This original meaning highlights a historical connection to narratives presented as factual accounts, even if they were fictionalized.
How Novellas Compare to Other Forms
Understanding where a novella fits requires comparing it to other common fiction lengths:
| Fiction Type | Approximate Word Count Range | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Short Story | Up to ~7,500 | Single plot, few characters, limited scope. |
| Novelette | ~7,500 - ~17,500 | More complex than a short story, still focused. |
| Novella | ~17,500 - ~40,000 | Deeper than a novelette, narrower scope than a novel. |
| Novel | Over ~40,000 | Complex plots, multiple subplots, extensive character development. |
Note: Word counts are approximate and can vary depending on the publisher or genre.
Why Authors Write Novellas
Authors might choose the novella format for several reasons:
- To explore a single strong idea or character arc without the need for extensive subplots.
- To tell a story that feels too complex for a short story but not expansive enough for a novel.
- For publishing opportunities, as novellas can be published individually, in collections, or as part of anthologies.
Famous examples include George Orwell's Animal Farm or Stephen King's The Body (which was adapted into the film Stand by Me).
