What is a Novel and How to Write One

The novel is one of the most popular and enduring forms of literary fiction, captivating readers for centuries. But what is a novel?

At its core, a novel is a lengthy narrative written in prose fiction that explores fictional characters, settings, and human experience. This literary form has evolved, incorporating various themes, styles, and genres, making it an indispensable part of literature. 

The modern novel reflects the complexities of human life and has grown to include everything from commercial fiction to literary fiction, spanning particular genres like history, science, and fantasy.

What is a Novel?

A novel is a prose fiction work, structured as a lengthy narrative that dives deeply into the experiences and development of its characters. Unlike epic poetry, the novel is written in a prose style, emphasizing dialogue, description, and psychological insight.

The novel definition has expanded over time, but at its core, a novel represents a long, intricate story, often centered on a thematic point that reflects deeper aspects of the human experience.

Types of Novels

Here are the most common types of novels:

1. Historical Fiction

Historical fiction blends real events, settings, and figures from history with fictional characters and stories. This genre allows readers to immerse themselves in a specific period, giving life to historical events while exploring the human experience within them.

Historical novels often rely on extensive research to recreate the past authentically, whether it’s ancient civilizations, world wars, or any notable event. The authors of historical fiction craft narratives that twist personal dramas into the broader historical context, making history more relatable and engaging.

2. Science Fiction

Science fiction explores the unknown and speculative possibilities of technology, science, and the future. It ventures into futuristic worlds, space travel, time manipulation, or advanced technologies. 

These novels ask “what if” questions about society, pushing the boundaries of current knowledge to imagine new realities. Many science fiction novels reflect on the ethical and moral challenges of technological advancements, often creating a mirror to contemporary issues. 

3. Fantasy Novels

Fantasy novels take readers into worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and supernatural elements. Unlike historical or science fiction, fantasy is not bound by reality, allowing for complete world-building.

From epic quests in medieval-inspired settings to contemporary urban fantasies, this genre lets authors create intricate, otherworldly systems of magic, folklore, and lore. At the heart of many fantasy stories is the struggle between good and evil, often featuring heroes who must overcome the odds.

4. Mystery Novels

Mystery novels revolve around solving a crime or unraveling a puzzling situation. These stories follow detectives, amateur sleuths, or private investigators as they search for clues, interrogate suspects, and piece together the truth.

Mystery novels keep readers engaged by presenting a complex puzzle that requires resolution, with suspense and intrigue building throughout the narrative. Twists and red herrings are common, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal.

This genre relies on tension, careful plotting, and character-driven investigation to captivate its audience.

5. Epistolary Novels

Epistolary novels are composed primarily of letters, diary entries, or other documents, offering a unique format for storytelling. This style allows readers intimate access to a character’s thoughts and emotions through personal correspondence. 

The epistolary form can add layers of authenticity to the narrative, making the characters feel more real and relatable. 

Epistolary novels explore relationships, secrets, and misunderstandings. The fragmented nature also includes suspense, as readers piece together the story from the various documents provided.

6. Commercial Fiction

Commercial fiction is written for wide appeal and is plot-driven, focusing on entertainment over deep literary themes. This genre encompasses a wide range of popular novels, from romance to thrillers, and is designed to be accessible to the mass market. 

Commercial fiction often follows familiar structures and tropes that readers find engaging and satisfying. Unlike literary fiction, which might prioritize character development and prose style, commercial fiction prioritizes pacing, action, and emotional payoff. 

Its primary goal is to captivate a broad audience, making it a go-to genre for readers seeking enjoyment and escapism.

Novel Structure

While every novel is unique, most follow a general structure composed of three main parts:

1. Introduction/Exposition

The introduction or exposition is the foundation of any novel, as it introduces the reader to the world of the story.

In this section, you will establish the setting, present the main characters, and hint at the conflict that will drive the narrative. It’s essential for creating the initial hook that draws readers in, setting the tone for the rest of the book.

In many novels, the exposition provides a sense of the ordinary world before the main action begins, giving the reader context for the changes and challenges the characters will soon face.

2. Rising Action

After the exposition, the rising action takes the narrative forward, introducing complications and obstacles that the characters must navigate. This is the longest part of the novel and includes the development of subplots, deeper character interactions, and growing tension.

The rising action builds on the main conflict, heightening stakes and emotions as the story moves toward its climax.

During this phase, characters’ relationships are explored, backstories may be revealed, and themes begin to take shape.

3. Climax and Resolution

The climax is the pivotal moment in the novel where the primary conflict reaches its peak, and everything that has been building throughout the story comes to a head.

This high point is often the most dramatic scene in the novel, where characters must confront their greatest challenges.

The resolution (or falling action) brings the story to a close, tying up loose ends and providing answers to the reader’s questions.

This part also gives characters a final chance to reflect on the events and their personal growth throughout the narrative.

Novel Elements

In addition to novel structure, other key elements include:

1. Characters

Characters are the driving force behind a novel, as they are the individuals through whom the story is told. Well-crafted characters should be multidimensional, with personalities, motivations, and flaws that make them feel real.

The protagonists, antagonists, or secondary characters, each should have distinct traits that contribute to the plot and theme.

Character development is essential for keeping readers emotionally engaged, and the way characters interact and grow often mirrors the novel’s thematic exploration.

2. Point of View

The point of view (POV) is the lens through which the story is told and significantly impacts how the reader experiences the narrative.

Novels are commonly written in either first-person or third-person perspective. In first-person POV, the narrator is a character in the story, providing a personal, intimate look at their thoughts and experiences. This perspective allows readers to closely connect with the narrator but limits knowledge to only what the narrator knows.

In the third-person point of view, the narrator is outside the story, which allows for a broader perspective. The third person can be omniscient, where the narrator knows everything about all characters, or limited, focusing on the thoughts and actions of one character.

The choice of POV shapes the reader’s relationship with the characters and influences how much of the world and plot they can see.

3. Themes

A thematic point is the underlying message or central idea that runs throughout the novel. Themes are the deeper meanings or questions that a story explores, such as love, power, morality, or the human condition.

While some novels have overt themes that are clearly expressed through the plot and dialogue, others may have subtler themes that emerge as the reader reflects on the narrative.

A novel can explore multiple themes, which often resonate with readers on a personal level, prompting them to think about their own lives or society.

Thematic exploration is what gives a novel its depth, elevating it from a mere story to a commentary on life’s complexities.

4. Setting

The setting is the backdrop against which the story takes place, including the geographical location, period, and social environment. A well-developed setting can transport readers into the world of the novel, whether it’s a bustling city, a small rural town, or a completely imagined universe.

The setting influences the mood, tone, and atmosphere of the story and can also play a critical role in shaping the characters’ experiences. In some novels, the setting itself becomes almost like a character, influencing the plot and adding layers of meaning to the events that unfold.

A richly described setting helps immerse the reader, making the world of the novel feel tangible and real.

5. Plot

The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story, structured around a central conflict. It is the engine that drives the narrative forward, with each event leading to the next in a cause-and-effect relationship.

A well-constructed plot has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with rising action leading to a climax and resolution. Good plots often include twists, surprises, and moments of tension that keep readers engaged.

A strong plot not only entertains but also reflects the novel’s themes and advances character development, making it an essential component of successful storytelling.

6. Dialogue

Dialogue is the written conversation between characters, and it serves multiple functions in a novel. It reveals character personalities, relationships, and conflicts, and can also be used to convey information to the reader.

Effective dialogue feels natural and authentic, reflecting the way people speak in real life while still serving the narrative. It helps move the plot forward by advancing the action or revealing important details about the character’s motivations and emotions.

Good dialogue is concise, impactful, and often layered with subtext, where characters say one thing but mean something else.

How to Write a Novel: Guide for Beginners

Novel writing is both an art and a process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write your own story:

1. Choose a Genre

Selecting the right genre is the first step in writing a novel, as it helps define the tone, structure, and style of your story. Whether you’re drawn to historical fiction, science fiction, or fantasy novels, each genre comes with its conventions and expectations.

For example, science fiction requires attention to technology and futuristic settings, while historical fiction demands accurate research about past events.

By choosing a genre that excites you and aligns with your strengths, you set the foundation for a cohesive narrative that will appeal to readers who enjoy that particular genre.

2. Outline the Plot

A plot outline acts as a roadmap for your story, helping you stay on track and avoid plot holes. Even if you prefer to write spontaneously, creating a basic structure with key plot points can give your novel a clear direction.

Begin by outlining the major events: the introduction of your characters, the conflicts they face, and the climax and resolution. Consider the pacing of your story as well, ensuring that each event builds on the previous one to maintain reader interest.

Outlining helps prevent writer’s block and ensures you have a strong framework to develop your ideas.

If you want to streamline the novel creation process, you can also generate a custom book template with AI:

3. Develop Characters

Characters are the heart of any novel, and well-developed characters make your story relatable and memorable. Take time to create detailed backgrounds for your main characters, including their motivations, desires, flaws, and personal histories. 

Whether they are protagonists or antagonists, your characters should grow and change throughout the story. Readers are drawn to characters who feel real and experience struggles that resonate with their own lives. 

Developing rich characters ensures your novel has emotional depth, making readers care about what happens to them throughout the plot.

4. Set the Scene

Creating a vivid setting is crucial for immersing readers in your story. Whether your novel takes place in a real city, a historical period, or a fantastical world, the setting should reflect the themes and atmosphere of your narrative.

Use detailed descriptions to paint a picture of the environment, from the sights and sounds to the cultural norms of your world. A well-crafted setting enhances the story by grounding the characters in a believable world and adding layers to the plot. Make sure your setting supports the themes of your novel and influences the actions of your characters.

5. Write with Purpose

Every scene in your novel should serve a specific purpose, whether it’s advancing the plot, developing a character, or exploring a theme. Avoid filler scenes that don’t add to the overall narrative.

Instead, ensure each chapter drives the story forward or reveals something new about your characters. This purposeful writing keeps your novel focused and prevents it from meandering.

Writing with intention also means paying attention to pacing, ensuring that slow moments build tension and fast-paced scenes deliver the excitement or resolution that readers expect.

6. Revise and Edit

The first draft of a novel is rarely perfect, and revision is essential for shaping your story into its best form. After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work with a critical eye. Focus on clarity, consistency, and pacing, ensuring that each chapter flows smoothly into the next.

Consider feedback from others to gain new perspectives on your writing. Editing goes beyond fixing grammar—it’s about refining your voice, strengthening character arcs, and ensuring that your novel resonates with your readers. Be patient with this process, as revision can take time but ultimately leads to a polished final draft.

Final Remarks

Writing a novel requires patience, creativity, and dedication. Understanding the novel definition, structure, and key elements helps guide the process. By exploring different types of novels, such as historical fiction, commercial fiction, and mystery novels, and learning how to write with intent, you can craft a story that resonates with readers and adds your unique voice to the world of western literature.

FAQs

Here are answers to the questions regarding novel writing:

What is a novel?

A novel is a lengthy narrative written in prose fiction that explores fictional characters and their experiences, often centered around a thematic point.

What are the main types of novels?  

Common types include historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy novels, mystery novels, commercial fiction, and literary fiction.

What is the structure of a novel?

Most novels follow a three-part structure: introduction, rising action, and climax/resolution.

How can I start writing a novel?

Start by choosing a particular genre, developing your characters, and outlining the plot. Writing with purpose and revising your work are key steps in the process.

What is the difference between commercial and literary fiction?

Commercial fiction is written for mass appeal and focuses on plot-driven narratives, while literary fiction delves deeper into themes, character development, and prose style.

What is a simple definition of the novel?

A novel is a long-form work of literary prose fiction that tells a structured, imaginative story involving fictional characters. It explores human experiences, emotions, and relationships through a lengthy narrative, often divided into chapters. Novels allow for deep character development and complex plots.

What is considered a novel?

A novel is considered any substantial work of narrative fiction written in prose, typically exceeding 40,000 words. It features a fully developed plot and explores the characters’ interactions and conflicts. A novel can span various genres, from historical fiction to science fiction or fantasy.

What is the difference between a novel and a book?

A book is a general term for any written or printed work, including fiction, nonfiction, textbooks, and more. A novel, however, is a specific type of book that focuses on telling a fictional story in prose. While all novels are books, not all fiction books are novels.

What is the proper meaning of a novel?

The proper meaning of a novel refers to a literary form that presents an extended, fictional narrative focusing on character development, plot progression, and thematic exploration. Unlike shorter forms like short stories, novels allow for a more intricate and detailed portrayal of the human experience.

Josh Fechter

Josh is the founder and CEO of Squibler. He's authored several best-selling books and created one of the largest communities of writers online.