Curious about novellas? This guide unpacks what defines the form, how it differs from novels and short stories, and why it remains a powerful storytelling choice.
A novella is one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated forms in literature. Sitting somewhere between a short story and a full-length novel, the novella presents a unique opportunity for writers to explore narrative arcs, themes, and characters in a condensed yet richly layered way. But what is a novella, and how does it differ from other literary forms?
What is a Novella in Literature?
A novella is a work of fiction that typically falls between 15,000 and 40,000 words. It’s longer than a short story but not quite as expansive as a novel. This sweet spot allows for a focused narrative that still has room to breathe.
In many ways, the novella is an ideal format for writers who want to explore a single character’s journey, experiment with form, or delve into a story idea that doesn’t require the breadth of a full-length novel. It allows for thematic richness and emotional depth without the subplots and sprawl often expected in longer works.
A Quick Look at the Novella’s Origins
Although the term “novella” comes from the Italian word for “new,” the form itself has deep historical roots. Some of the earliest novellas date back to the Middle Ages. Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron (14th century) is often cited as one of the first examples.
Over time, novellas became a favourite form for many renowned authors. In the 19th and 20th centuries, writers such as Henry James, Franz Kafka, Leo Tolstoy, and Thomas Mann embraced the form, using it to explore complex themes within a limited framework.
Novella vs Short Story vs Novel
The primary difference is length, but that doesn’t paint the full picture.
A short story is typically concise and focused, often built around a single moment, image, or idea. There’s little space for intricate development or expansive storytelling. A novel, on the other hand, can stretch across multiple themes, character arcs, and timelines.
The novella sits in the middle. It usually features:
- A single central conflict
- A limited cast of characters
- A focused timeline or setting
- Room for deeper character development
- A strong thematic through-line
Unlike short stories, novellas have the space to unfold gradually. And unlike novels, they avoid digression and excessive detail. In many ways, novellas offer the best of both worlds. This is what makes the “literary fiction vs genre fiction” debate so interesting in the context of novellas. Both forms use novellas effectively, but often for very different storytelling goals.
What Makes a Story a Novella?
If you’re wondering what distinguishes a novella’s definition in literature from a long story or a short novel, consider the structure. Most novellas follow a clear plot arc: an inciting incident, rising tension, a climax, and a resolution. They typically unfold over a short period and focus on a single idea or relationship.
Unlike short stories, which often drop the reader into a moment without much backstory, novellas tend to offer context. But they stop short of the full world-building and ensemble casts you might expect from a novel.
Why Writers Choose the Novella Format
For writers, novellas provide a unique creative challenge. They demand discipline and clarity. Every sentence must earn its place. There’s no room for fluff, yet there’s enough space to build momentum, tension, and emotional resonance.
Novellas are also a practical format. They can be written and edited more quickly than novels, making them a popular choice for competitions, literary journals, and special edition releases. They’re especially appealing for literary fiction writers exploring nuanced internal journeys, or for genre fiction authors testing out new worlds, characters, or concepts without committing to a full trilogy.
Notable Novella Definitions and Examples
Want to see how powerful a novella can be? Explore this curated list of works that perfectly demonstrate the novella definition and examples in action:
- “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck – A poignant exploration of friendship, dreams, and loss during the Great Depression.
- “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka – A surreal, unsettling dive into alienation and identity.
- “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway – A spare, symbolic tale of endurance and struggle.
- “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Truman Capote – A sparkling character portrait set in post-war New York.
- “Animal Farm” by George Orwell – A political allegory packed into a tight narrative structure.
Each of these works shows what the novella can do. They pack in emotional depth, thematic complexity, and character development, without ever overstaying their welcome.
Writing a Novella: Where to Start
If you’re thinking of writing your own, start with the basics. Ask yourself:
- What is your central idea or conflict?
- Which character’s arc will drive the story?
- Can you tell this story in 15,000 to 40,000 words without losing impact?
This form also invites experimentation. Maybe you’ve got a story idea that feels too long for a short story but doesn’t justify 80,000 words. Maybe you want to try a limited point of view, or explore a single theme in depth.
Why the Novella Still Matters
The novella may not be the most commercial format, but it remains a beloved one among writers and readers who appreciate the power of tight, deliberate storytelling. It sits at a fascinating intersection of brevity and complexity, inviting us to focus, refine, and write with intent.
So if you’re exploring your next big story and comparing software for writing a book, why not test your tools and creativity on a novella? It’s a great way to explore your writing process, refine your plot, and build momentum, all within a manageable word count.
Gabriel Gaynor-Guthrie is a freelance writer and editor.
Scrivener is novel writing software designed to help you craft your first draft with ease. Find out more here