What is a novel?

The novel is a fictional literary genre written in prose narrative, often in extensive length and complexity. "It can provide a more faithful image of everyday reality than can be achieved by any other literary form" (Webster). Because novels are long, they can tell more richly detailed tales than can briefer literary forms such as the short story. The novel is the supplest type of literature, and accordingly, the one with the most possibilities. Presenting more than one episode, as found in a short story, it develops plot, characters, and theme slowly. The novelist can also surround the m…