Novel

A novel is a work of prose fiction of extended length. Novels tell complex stories and generally feature many characters. While a comparatively recent development, the modern novel has become the dominant literary form in western culture . In general, the novel can be distinguished from other forms in its length, complexity and the fact that, unlike the epic poem for example, it is a prose form. All of these limits have been challenged in one way or another. A short novel or novella may be considered by some to be a novel. While generally in prose, there is such a thing as a verse novel, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse or Alexander Pushkin's Eugene Onegin as examples.