What distinguishes a short story from a novel?

A short story is typically characterized by its focus on a single incident or theme, which allows for a concise exploration of characters, emotions, and events. This concentrated approach often centers around a pivotal moment, decision, or conflict, encapsulating a complete narrative arc within a limited word count. In contrast, novels tend to feature more expansive plots and multiple intertwined subplots, allowing for greater character development and exploration of various themes over a broader scope.

The focus on a single incident in short stories is crucial because it leads to a powerful, impactful storytelling experience, often leaving a lasting impression on the reader in just a few pages. This is in opposition to longer forms of fiction, where the complexity of multiple incidents and character arcs can dilute the core message or theme being conveyed. Thus, a short story's ability to concentrate on a single moment or conflict distinguishes it distinctly from a novel's more elaborate structure.