How can one distinguish between a novel, a novella and a short story?

Well, the structure of a short story is typically concise. It doesn't have much room for digressions. It focuses on one main idea or event. The paragraphs are usually short and the whole story moves forward at a brisk pace. A novella, however, can afford to have a more complex structure. It might start with a prologue that sets the scene in a broader context. Then it has a main body with different parts that develop the story gradually. It can also have an epilogue. For instance, some novellas use flashbacks and flash - forwards within their structure, which is less common in short stories as short stories are more about immediate storytelling.

To distinguish them, consider the scope of the story. A short story has a narrow scope, often focusing on one character's experience or a single incident. A novella has a broader scope than a short story. It may have multiple scenes and a few main characters. A novel has the broadest scope. It can span generations, different locations, and have a large web of characters. Additionally, the length is a clear indicator. Short stories are usually under 10,000 words, novellas between 10,000 and 40,000, and novels over 40,000 words.

Novels often have a more elaborate writing style due to their length. There can be detailed descriptions of settings, characters' backstories, and multiple plot threads. Novellas are more streamlined in their writing. They get to the point a bit quicker while still maintaining some complexity. Short stories have a very concise writing style. Every word counts as they have limited space to tell the story.

In terms of length, a short story is short, often under 10,000 words. It's not very complex. A novella is around 10,000 - 40,000 words and has more complexity. A novel is usually over 40,000 words and is highly complex.

In terms of publication, novellas are sometimes published as standalone works, but they are also often part of collections. For example, some anthologies contain several novellas. Short novels are more likely to be published on their own. In the market, short novels usually have a wider readership compared to novellas. This is because they can offer more in terms of story and character development, which appeals to a broader range of readers. Novellas, on the other hand, are often favored by readers who like a quick, focused read.

One way is through the complexity of characters. In a novella, characters tend to be more multi - dimensional. In a short story, they are often more one - note, serving mainly to drive the single - focused plot. For example, in a short story about a detective solving a crime, the detective might just be presented as a smart, no - nonsense type. But in a novella about the same detective, we might learn about his family, his past traumas, and how they affect his detective work.

One way to distinguish them is by the length. If it's short and can be finished in a short time, like under an hour of reading, it's likely a short story. If it takes days or weeks to read, it's a long story. Another aspect is the complexity of the plot. A short story has a simple plot, while a long story has a more intricate one.

A story is often shorter and more straightforward. It usually focuses on a single plot or event and can be told simply. A novel, on the other hand, is more complex and longer. It has multiple sub - plots, more in - depth character development, and often explores various themes.

A short story is typically shorter in length, often focusing on a single incident or a small number of characters. A novel, on the other hand, is much longer and can develop complex plots with multiple sub - plots and a large cast of characters.

In terms of length, a short story is generally much shorter, often no more than a few thousand words, while a novel can be tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of words long. Regarding complexity, a short story usually has a simple structure with fewer characters and plotlines. A novel is more complex, with multiple characters, sub - plots, and a more intricate narrative structure.