In the world of literature, terms like ‘novel’ and ‘novella’ are often used. However, sometimes people get confused between these two terms. Though both novels and novellas have similarities as narrative prose, they differ majorly in length, character development, and structure. In this article, we will share some of the differences between a novel and a novella.
Length
While a novel is typically longer than 40,000 words and can range between 70,000 and 100,000 words, a novella usually falls between 20,000 and 40,000 words. A novella is of shorter length than a novel when it comes to words.
Pacing
The pacing in novels can differ as the authors can afford to create tension slowly and create a lot of subplots in it. On the other hand, a novella has a quicker pace because of its shortness. The novella often creates a fast-read experience over a novel.
Structure
Novels can have multiple chapters, which are often divided into parts as well. Its structure also includes various points of view and timelines, creating the intricate storylines that connect together. However, novellas have a simple structure where they have a few chapters and mainly focus on a singular narrative.