Fiction is something that is created by the imagination of the author, transforming abstract thoughts into vivid worlds that capture readers' minds. A story is invented or formed by the author, characters are carefully developed, the plot and the dialogues are set, and a work of fiction emerges like a living, breathing creation. However, a fictional work does not tell a true story. Rather, it immerses people in experiences that might never happen in the practical world, yet feel as real as our own memories. A particular story introduces people to many types of characters and new types of places where the reader can never go actually, from mystical realms to futuristic cities that exist only in our collective imagination. A work of fiction inspires people, intrigues them, scares them, and engages them with new ideas, challenging their perspectives and expanding their understanding of human nature. It further helps to see the world in an interesting way, offering fresh insights into the complexities of life and the endless possibilities that exist within the realm of storytelling.
Usually, there are three primary types of fiction: the classic short story, the novel, and the novella. According to the views of the famous short story writer Edgar Allan Poe, a short story is essentially a piece of fiction which can be finished within half an hour to two hours. A typical short story hardly runs more than 20-30 pages. Since a short story has a limited length, it focuses more on the plot with minimum characters. On the other hand, a novel is a more expansive work of fiction which typically contains at least 120 pages. Notably, novels are more complex than short stories, offering deeper character development and intricate subplots. A novel can be as long as its author wants it to be without any limit of the length. Standing between these two forms, the novella is longer than the short stories but shorter than the novels, typically spanning 60-120 pages. The novellas have more developed characters and complex storylines than short stories, yet maintain a tighter focus than full-length novels. Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Jack London's The Call of the Wild remain enduring examples of novellas, demonstrating how this medium can perfectly balance detailed storytelling with narrative efficiency.
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A short story is formed of few essential elements such as theme, characters, conflict, plot, and setting, each working together to create a complete narrative experience. A good short story can be read at a single setting, drawing readers into its world with remarkable efficiency. It must combine the poetic atmosphere and the matter-of-fact description, weaving together lyrical language with concrete details to create a compelling narrative tapestry. It shows a decisive moment of life, capturing a snapshot of human experience that resonates long after the final word. These brief yet powerful narratives often focus on a single emotional truth or revelation, making them particularly effective at delivering concentrated impact. Unlike longer forms of fiction, short stories must accomplish their goals with precision and economy, making every word count in the service of the story's ultimate purpose.
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