Here are some key characteristics of a novel:
* Length: Novels are typically longer than short stories, often exceeding 40,000 words.
* Prose: They are written in prose, meaning they use ordinary language rather than verse.
* Fiction: Novels tell stories that are imagined and not based on real events.
* Complex Characters: They often feature multiple, complex characters with their own motivations and backstories.
* Developed Plot: Novels tend to have a well-developed plot with a beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
* Themes: Novels explore various themes and ideas about human nature, society, and the world.
Some examples of famous novels include:
* *Pride and Prejudice* by Jane Austen
* *To Kill a Mockingbird* by Harper Lee
* *One Hundred Years of Solitude* by Gabriel García Márquez
* *The Lord of the Rings* by J.R.R. Tolkien
* *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy* by Douglas Adams
While novels are generally longer, there are exceptions. Some novels can be shorter, and some books that are technically short stories can be quite lengthy. However, the term "novel" generally refers to a long, fictional narrative written in prose.