difference between a short story and an essay

The Difference between an Essay and a Story

There are several types of essays, and only a narrative essay resembles a story. The traditional length of a narrative essay would be comparable only to a short story in length.

A narrative essay is, in essence, a short version of a personal story from a writer's experience. In some ways, a narrative essay and a short story can feel similar to one another. Both require a certain amount of imaginative narrative from the writer and use descriptive words to convey emotions, lay out the scene, and place the reader inside the events.

However, there are quite a few differences, which is why you won't find a narrative essay in a compilation book of short stories.

Like all other forms of essays, a narrative essay needs a clear outline of ideas that organize the writer's thoughts. Essays will always include an introduction, a body of writing, and a conclusion that sums up the writer's points or describe what the writer learned from the experience they write about.

Short stories need no such structure. While there is technically a beginning, a middle, and an end, the linear structure of a narrative essay is often not followed in a short story. Some jump around in time and play with the reader's imagination to determine the sequence of events and how one event affects or leads to another.

Tell the Truth

One of the most notable differences between a narrative essay and a short story is that a short story does not always have to be true. A story can be fiction or non-fiction, as both fit the definition of a short story. A narrative essay, on the other hand, is expected by the reader to be an actual experience from the writer's life.

The intent of an essay is always to inform, so readers have an expectation that they will learn something by reading an essay regardless of its form. When reading a narrative essay, a reader expects to learn more on the topic being discussed through first-hand knowledge due to the lived experience of the writer.

The intent of a story is to entertain. Some short stories are fables, which include a moral that teaches a lesson. However, even the best lessons in short stories will not come across or even be remembered if the story itself isn't engaging and entertaining.

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• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples

The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type. 

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

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Table of contents

Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

• The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
• The body presents your evidence and arguments
• The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

• In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
• In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
• In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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Essay vs Short Story: What’s The Difference??

• Armani Talks
• February 12, 2022
• Content Creation

Even if 2 phrases remind you of each other doesn’t mean they are the same.

What better way to showcase this than by spotting the difference between an essay vs short story?

Do they seem the same?

I always thought they were the same

However, the purpose they are being written with is different.

You should know this if you are trying to add content creation to your arsenal.

Start off with your strengths and then work on your areas of improvement later.

In this article, you’ll learn the difference between an essay vs short story.

Also, you’ll learn which one you should start off with depending on your personality.

But wait, there’s more!

You will also learn a unique method of combining the 2 writing forms.

Time to take our content creation game to a whole new level.

Difference Between Essay vs Short Story

An essay is often trying to make a logical case for something. A short story is normally trying to tell a narrative of some sort.

Let’s go through an example:

If you think it’s logically better for entrepreneurs to get a cat rather than a dog, then you may write an essay explaining your position.

• Maybe cats are less maintenance.
• Their food is cheaper.
• They don’t wake you up at night.

You write an essay making logical points in simple language.

The essay should allow the reader to understand your rationale.

While a short story may be about the time when you got a dog & traded it in for a cat.

For this short story, logic takes a back burner.

While the anecdote takes the front seat.

With an essay, logic is often the leader.

With a short story, emotions are often the leader.

Essay vs Short Story: Which One is Right for You?

‘So, which one should I write between an essay vs short story?’

That depends on what you are trying to improve.

If you are looking to add content creation for work, then essays may be the way to go.

Especially if you are writing emails a lot.

When you write emails, it’s pretty much a series of logical points.

On the other hand, if you’re trying to write a fantasy book in the future, short stories are a great way to exercise your storytelling muscle.

Because what is fiction ?

It’s just a collection of stories!

‘Hm…Armani, I want to write essays and short stories.

Well, my friend, that too is possible.

The Art & Science of Edutainment

Edutainment is a combination of:

• Entertainment

The education part is the logic portion.

The entertainment part is the emotional portion.

‘Are you saying I can combine the 2?’

Yes, you can!

This is where you should write essays and short stories together.

‘How can I get started?’

Let’s say you are leading with an essay.

You want to make a logical case for something.

Well, realize that you are talking to people.

People do not always speak in logic.

Add a short story to your essay.

Bring your point to life with a real-world story that gives an example of the logic from your essay.

This will turn the essay from a 2D experience into a 3D one.

As for short stories, there are tons of ways to make a logical point.

Your narrative can be sharing a real-world truth through fictional characters.

Let’s go back to the cats vs dogs debate.

The main character of your story may be an entrepreneur who initially got a dog.

But within the story, he learns how high maintenance the dog was.

You sneak in real-world numbers of maintaining a dog.

Real-world food prices.

And much more.

Then you allow this character to reach the conclusion for themselves on why cats are better than dogs for entrepreneurs.

People love it when you are subtly teaching them.

Teaching is a lot like sales.

Everyone loves to buy, but no one likes to be sold to.

Likewise, everyone wants to learn, but no one likes to feel like they are learning.

Creative Writing Challenge

I want you to convince me why your industry is the best industry to work in.

Here are a few ground rules.

I don’t care if you hate your job.

Consider it even better if you hate your job.

This will allow you to flex your creative muscles even more.

Also, if you love your job a lot, challenge yourself to use logic.

Don’t just say:

‘My job is the best because it makes me feel warm & fuzzy inside.’

Your goal is to write at least 1 page on a Word document:

• Logically prove why you believe your job is the best (define best however you see fit).
• Sprinkle in a short story/anecdote to bring the story to life.

By doing this, you have successfully incorporated logic with emotions.

My friend, you are combining the world of essays with the world of short stories.

The 2 were meant to work together, not separate from one another.

Classes on Essay Writing and Short Story Writing

It’s great to practice.

When you practice content creation, you become the content that you created.

‘What does that even mean?’

Content is simply the articulation of concepts.

The concepts you keep writing about is the concept that you become.

It seeps into your mindset.

Alters your behavior.

And your altered behavior impacts other people.

This is why I always find it strange when people are using their social media to whine.

Buddy, you got a free tool to change who you are and you choose to be negative?

Couldn’t be me.

An essay vs short story is different.

But learn to teeter in the middle ground territory by leveraging both worlds.

Are you interested in learning more?

If so, I made a class on essay writing & short story writing on Skillshare.

Be sure to check them out for more information!

Good luck and level up your content creation game

✍️ CLASS ON ESSAY WRITING

✍️ class on short story writing, – armanitalks , join the armanitalks newsletter, level up mentality : a guide to re-engineer your mindset for confidence.

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Difference Between a Short Story and Narrative Essay

The art of writing information in a specific structure is what the essay is all about. The essay has a straightforward format and is written with a certain topic in mind. The essay’s three main parts are the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Along with the factual data, the author also provides their opinion. What distinguishes writing essays from writing short stories, in more detail? Our team of thesis writers from the write my college essay service would love to help you figure it out.

• 1 Essay writing
• 2 Short stories
• 3 Essay and short story comparison
• 4 The short stories’ outlines
• 5 Arrangement of the Essay

Essay writing

Essay writing is a skill that students master as part of their academic courses. Essay topics vary from class to class based on the student’s maturity. Some of the topics for middle school include dangerous animals, risky activities, and sporting records that can never be broken. Essay ideas for college include whether or not gun regulation is the greatest way to reduce crime rates worldwide, the ideal age to be eligible to vote, and the documents that must be submitted to the court.

Short stories

The short story centers around various character types and is written with an incident. The reader is intrigued to read the story because of the story’s impact. There will be a character, actions, or events in a short story.

Essay and short story comparison

The length of an essay is longer than that of a short story. The essay writing is descriptive, but the short story is narrative. Some of the differences between an essay and a short story are in the storyline, the action, and the characters. While a short story has a plot, an essay does not. Although there is an intelligent flow of information in the essay, the short story character’s various behaviors show that there is also action. There aren’t any characters in the essay, but there are in a short story, and they all revolve around the main character.

The short stories’ outlines

The story’s point of view is crucial because it allows the reader to enter the author’s head. Short stories typically require flashbacks or flash forwards to keep readers interested. The initial line and the last line are crucial for grabbing the readers’ attention. Exposure, conflict, mounting action, climax, and denouement are the major plot elements. The readers might infer meaning from the expressions and feelings.

Arrangement of the Essay

A topic-related combination of ideas and arguments makes up an essay’s structure. The essay is divided into three sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction paragraph contains an eye-catching concept, a statement that is applicable, and a sample of the topics you will cover in the body paragraphs. The body paragraph introduces the topic, provides context for the facts, and provides an explanation with examples from real life. Rephrase the core theme, provide a reverse hook and restatement, and provide a call to action or concluding comment when you reach your conclusion. If you still have questions, then remember that you can always turn to an essay writing service for help, where experienced essay writers will write quality work for you and help with homework of any complexity (even python assignments). Good luck with your studies!

Is a Narrative Essay Different From a Short Story?

26 sep 2017.

The term “narrative” can refer to a type of essay, short story or novel. However, each type of narrative has different elements. When writing a narrative essay, you will focus on telling a true story, usually something that happened in your past. When you write a short story, you create fictional characters and a plot. Understanding the differences between these types of narrative will help you recognize these works and may improve your writing skills.

Explore this article

• Fact vs. Fiction
• Similarities

1 Fact vs. Fiction

Short stories and narrative essays differ in a few ways, but one difference helps define each type of writing. In a narrative essay, you will use facts to tell the story, typically relying on your own memory. With short stories, you will make up the content, creating characters and events that suit the story. You may struggle to maintain accuracy when you rely on your own memory for details or exact dialogue, but so long as you relay information to the best of your memory and do not change events or people, you can say you remained factual in the content of your essay, says Janet Burroway, a writer and Distinguished Professor Emerita of Florida State University.

A narrative essay needs a thesis statement. This sentence belongs in the first paragraph of the essay and informs the reader of the main idea of your essay. For example, your thesis statement may say, “After I passed my driver’s test, I learned how difficult it is to be a good driver.” As you tell the story throughout your essay, you will work towards proving or showing the accuracy of your thesis statement.

Although a short story does not have a thesis statement, many short stories do have a central theme. Perhaps the writer aims to show the impact of loss, love or other concept. She will not typically state the theme for the reader, but, instead, she will show this through the characters, plot and other story elements.

3 Structure

The general structure of narrative essays and short stories will vary slightly. In a short story, you might place the reader in the middle of action from the first word. However, in a narrative essay, you will need to have an introductory paragraph, a body and a concluding paragraph. The introduction will give the reader background to the essay, and you will state your thesis, the main idea behind the essay. In the conclusion, you will help the reader summarize the content of your essay and how your story proves the thesis statement.

4 Similarities

These two types of writing have differences, but they also have similarities. Just as a short story contains characters and plot, a climax and resolution of the story, a narrative essay will also have these elements. You may also choose to put dialogue into your essay, something you will also find in a short story.

• 1 Purdue Online Writing Lab: Narrative Essays
• 2 Imaginative Writing: The Elements of Craft; Janet Burroway

About the Author

Kate Beck started writing for online publications in 2005. She worked as a certified ophthalmic technician for 10 years before returning to school to earn a Masters of Fine Arts degree in writing. Beck is currently putting the finishing touches on a novel.

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The Essay: History and Definition

Attempts at Defining Slippery Literary Form

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

"One damned thing after another" is how Aldous Huxley described the essay: "a literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything."

As definitions go, Huxley's is no more or less exact than Francis Bacon's "dispersed meditations," Samuel Johnson's "loose sally of the mind" or Edward Hoagland's "greased pig."

Since Montaigne adopted the term "essay" in the 16th century to describe his "attempts" at self-portrayal in prose , this slippery form has resisted any sort of precise, universal definition. But that won't an attempt to define the term in this brief article.

In the broadest sense, the term "essay" can refer to just about any short piece of nonfiction  -- an editorial, feature story, critical study, even an excerpt from a book. However, literary definitions of a genre are usually a bit fussier.

One way to start is to draw a distinction between articles , which are read primarily for the information they contain, and essays, in which the pleasure of reading takes precedence over the information in the text . Although handy, this loose division points chiefly to kinds of reading rather than to kinds of texts. So here are some other ways that the essay might be defined.

Standard definitions often stress the loose structure or apparent shapelessness of the essay. Johnson, for example, called the essay "an irregular, indigested piece, not a regular and orderly performance."

True, the writings of several well-known essayists ( William Hazlitt and Ralph Waldo Emerson , for instance, after the fashion of Montaigne) can be recognized by the casual nature of their explorations -- or "ramblings." But that's not to say that anything goes. Each of these essayists follows certain organizing principles of his own.

Oddly enough, critics haven't paid much attention to the principles of design actually employed by successful essayists. These principles are rarely formal patterns of organization , that is, the "modes of exposition" found in many composition textbooks. Instead, they might be described as patterns of thought -- progressions of a mind working out an idea.

Unfortunately, the customary divisions of the essay into opposing types --  formal and informal, impersonal and familiar  -- are also troublesome. Consider this suspiciously neat dividing line drawn by Michele Richman:

Post-Montaigne, the essay split into two distinct modalities: One remained informal, personal, intimate, relaxed, conversational and often humorous; the other, dogmatic, impersonal, systematic and expository .

The terms used here to qualify the term "essay" are convenient as a kind of critical shorthand, but they're imprecise at best and potentially contradictory. Informal can describe either the shape or the tone of the work -- or both. Personal refers to the stance of the essayist, conversational to the language of the piece, and expository to its content and aim. When the writings of particular essayists are studied carefully, Richman's "distinct modalities" grow increasingly vague.

But as fuzzy as these terms might be, the qualities of shape and personality, form and voice, are clearly integral to an understanding of the essay as an artful literary kind. 

Many of the terms used to characterize the essay -- personal, familiar, intimate, subjective, friendly, conversational -- represent efforts to identify the genre's most powerful organizing force: the rhetorical voice or projected character (or persona ) of the essayist.

In his study of Charles Lamb , Fred Randel observes that the "principal declared allegiance" of the essay is to "the experience of the essayistic voice." Similarly, British author Virginia Woolf has described this textual quality of personality or voice as "the essayist's most proper but most dangerous and delicate tool."

Similarly, at the beginning of "Walden, "  Henry David Thoreau reminds the reader that "it is ... always the first person that is speaking." Whether expressed directly or not, there's always an "I" in the essay -- a voice shaping the text and fashioning a role for the reader.

Fictional Qualities

The terms "voice" and "persona" are often used interchangeably to suggest the rhetorical nature of the essayist himself on the page. At times an author may consciously strike a pose or play a role. He can, as E.B. White confirms in his preface to "The Essays," "be any sort of person, according to his mood or his subject matter." 

In "What I Think, What I Am," essayist Edward Hoagland points out that "the artful 'I' of an essay can be as chameleon as any narrator in fiction." Similar considerations of voice and persona lead Carl H. Klaus to conclude that the essay is "profoundly fictive":

It seems to convey the sense of human presence that is indisputably related to its author's deepest sense of self, but that is also a complex illusion of that self -- an enactment of it as if it were both in the process of thought and in the process of sharing the outcome of that thought with others.

But to acknowledge the fictional qualities of the essay isn't to deny its special status as nonfiction.

Reader's Role

A basic aspect of the relationship between a writer (or a writer's persona) and a reader (the implied audience ) is the presumption that what the essayist says is literally true. The difference between a short story, say, and an autobiographical essay  lies less in the narrative structure or the nature of the material than in the narrator's implied contract with the reader about the kind of truth being offered.

Under the terms of this contract, the essayist presents experience as it actually occurred -- as it occurred, that is, in the version by the essayist. The narrator of an essay, the editor George Dillon says, "attempts to convince the reader that its model of experience of the world is valid." 

In other words, the reader of an essay is called on to join in the making of meaning. And it's up to the reader to decide whether to play along. Viewed in this way, the drama of an essay might lie in the conflict between the conceptions of self and world that the reader brings to a text and the conceptions that the essayist tries to arouse.

At Last, a Definition—of Sorts

With these thoughts in mind, the essay might be defined as a short work of nonfiction, often artfully disordered and highly polished, in which an authorial voice invites an implied reader to accept as authentic a certain textual mode of experience.

Sure. But it's still a greased pig.

Sometimes the best way to learn exactly what an essay is -- is to read some great ones. You'll find more than 300 of them in this collection of  Classic British and American Essays and Speeches .

• What Are the Different Types and Characteristics of Essays?
• Rhetorical Analysis Definition and Examples
• What Is a Personal Essay (Personal Statement)?
• The Writer's Voice in Literature and Rhetoric
• Point of View in Grammar and Composition
• What Is Expository Writing?
• The Difference Between an Article and an Essay
• What Is Tone In Writing?
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
• What is a Familiar Essay in Composition?
• Writers on Writing: The Art of Paragraphing
• Topical Organization Essay
• What Does "Persona" Mean?
• Mood in Composition and Literature
• Compose a Narrative Essay or Personal Statement

Need help submitting your writing to literary journals or book publishers/literary agents?  Click here! →

Short Prose Genres: Defining Essay, Short Story, Commentary, Memoir, and Mixed Genre

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The genres of short prose writing can be very confusing. For example, some writers will call their personal essay a story, and others will call their essay a memoir. To make matters even more complicated, a number of literary magazines are beginning to accept what is commonly called mixed genre writing. It’s important to understand the difference between the types of short prose, whether you’re writing an essay, short story, memoir, commentary, or mixed genre piece.

What is a short story? A short story is a work of fictional prose. Its characters may be loosely based on real-life people, and its plot may be inspired by a real-life event; but overall more of the story is “made-up” than real. Sometimes, the story can be completely made-up. Short stories may be literary, or they may conform to genre standards (i.e., a romance short story, a science-fiction short story, a horror story, etc.). A short story is a work that the writer holds to be fiction (i.e., historical fiction based on real events, or a story that is entirely fiction).

Short Story Example: A writer is inspired by a car explosion in his town. He writes a story based on the real explosion and set in a similar town, but showing the made-up experiences of his characters (who may be partly based on real-life).

Short Story Example two: A writer writes a story based on a made-up explosion, set in a made-up town, and showing the made-up experiences of his characters.

What is a personal or narrative essay? What is an academic essay? What’s the difference? Though factual, the personal essay , sometimes called a narrative essay, can feel like a short story, with “characters” and a plot arc. A personal essay is a short work of nonfiction that is not academic (that is, not a dissertation or scholarly exploration of criticism, etc.).

In a personal essay, the writer recounts his or her personal experiences or opinions. In an academic essay, the writer’s personal journey does not typically play a large part in the narrative (or plot line).

Sometimes the purpose of a personal essay is simply to entertain. Some personal essays may have a meditative or even dogmatic feel; a personal essay may illustrate a writer’s experiences in order to make an argument for the writer’s opinion. Some personal essays may cite other texts (like books, stories, or poems), but the focus of the citation is not to make an academic point. Rather, emphasis is on the writer’s emotional journey and insight.

Personal Essay Example: A writer pens the story of his experience at the scene of a car explosion in his town. The work is short enough for publication in a literary journal and focuses on the author’s perspective and insight.

What is a commentary? The personal essay form and commentary may sometimes overlap, but it may be helpful to make some distinctions. A commentary is often very short (a few hundred words) and more journalistic in tone than a personal essay. It fits nicely as a column in a newspaper or on a personal blog . The writing can be more newsy than literary.

Some very short nonfiction pieces may be better suited to newspapers than to literary journals; however, literary magazines have been known to publish commentary-esque pieces that have a literary bent.

Commentary Example: A writer tells the story of a car explosion in his town to illustrate the point that the police are not vigilant enough about people throwing flaming marshmallows out their windows.

What is a memoir? Memoir generally refers to longer works of nonfiction, written from the perspective of the author. Memoir does not generally refer to short personal essays. If you’re writing a short piece based on your real-life experiences, editors of literary journals will identify this as a personal essay. If you’re writing a book about an experience, it’s a memoir. A collection of interrelated personal essays may constitute a memoir.

Memoir Example: A writer composes a full-length book about his experiences after a car explosion in his town.

Learn more: Creative Nonfiction: How To Stay Out Of Trouble

What is a nonfiction short story? There’s no such thing as a nonfiction short story. Short stories are inherently fiction (with or without real-life inspiration). Personal essays are not fictional.

So what is mixed genre writing? Mixed genre writing is creative work that does not sit comfortably in any of the above genres. Mixed genre writing blends some elements of fiction with elements of nonfiction in a very deliberate way. Some examples:

Mixed Genre Example One: A professional accountant named John Jones is writing a story about a man named John Jones, who is John Jones and lives John Jones’ life—except that the fictional John Jones one day decides to leave his real-life accounting job, and live his dream of being a rock star (since the real-life John Jones is thinking of doing the same thing).

Is this a short story? An essay? If ninety percent of the story is true and ten percent is fiction, then what should the writer call this?

Mixed Genre Example Two: A writer decides to compose a family history, using pictures and documents from her family albums. But sometimes her story veers into fiction. She finds herself embellishing elements or omitting characters; and, the result is a story that’s better than the one she might tell if she were to stick to the facts.

Again, is this an essay? A short story? If half of the story is made-up, but half is very obviously true, it might be best called mixed genre.

NOTE: Sometimes the term mixed genre is defined in terms of the novel or book. A mixed genre novel might be a novel that mixes science fiction elements with characteristics of a legal thriller. Or a mixed genre novel might also be a work that plays fast and loose with fact and fiction. If you’re going to refer to your book as mixed genre, be clear about what you mean.

Learn more: Genre Fiction Rules: Find Out If Your Novel Meets Publishers’ And Literary Agents’ Criteria For Publication

Tips on Writing Mixed Genre If you’re going to write mixed genre prose, do so with care. Mixed genre writing often has a kind of self-aware, almost tongue-in-cheek, element to it—a wink to the reader who is not fooled by the mixing of fiction and nonfiction, even if the lines are blurry. Mixed genre can be considered experimental, and as such, it’s important that the writing be exceptionally smart in order to live up to the demands of the (mixed) genre.

Why is mixed genre writing so often self-referential? Writing mixed genre and passing it off as an essay or a short story could make editors think that you are trying to dupe them, so it helps to include something in the work that makes reference to itself as being a mixture of fact and fiction. These “meta” elements can help put the reader at ease.

Who is publishing mixed genre short prose? The primary markets for short prose are literary magazines and journals. Writer’s Relief frequently helps writers target their work to literary journals. For more information on how to find markets for your short prose, please read Researching Literary Markets for Your Work if you plan to research on your own. Or learn about Writer’s Relief submission services if you’d like help targeting your submissions .

QUESTION: Have you ever tackled a mixed genre piece?

Ronnie L. Smith, President of Writer’s Relief, Inc., an author’s submission service that helps creative writers get published by targeting their poems, essays, short stories, and books to the best-suited literary agents or editors of literary journals. www.WritersRelief.com

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• What is the difference between an Essay and a Story?

An Introduction to the Differences between an Essay and a Story

Does a short story vary from an essay in any way? In actuality, we write essays and occasionally short tales in schools and other educational institutions. Do essays fall within the category of stories or are they of a whole distinct genre? A writing composition might be referred to as an essay.

Reading an Essay and Story

Essays can be of many different types, including academic and personal ones. Essays give readers a firsthand account of a certain subject. On the other hand, a short tale can be thought of as an artistic work that includes a storyline and tells a story. Let us read ahead to know more about the distinction between an essay and a short story.

What is an Essay?

A Boy Writing an Essay

A piece of writing about a particular subject is known as an essay. It offers a very methodical explanation of the subject to the reader. The author gives an analysis after looking at the subject's various facets.

Every essay has a standard format that consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The reader can learn all there is to know about a topic by reading an essay. The writer typically includes factual data, a range of viewpoints, attitudes, and even their own opinions.

Teachers in schools urge students to produce essays on a variety of subjects. The level of the student's maturity determines the topic's difficulty and standard. Lower grade pupils will be asked to write essays on subjects such as environmental pollution, the first day of school, someone I admire, and so on. 

However, if the children are significantly more educated, the lecturers would cover subjects like the death penalty, the present teen and technology, etc. Writing essays gives students the chance to express their ideas clearly.

What is a Story?

An Elderly Person Reading Stories to Children

A narrative that is shorter in length than a novel is referred to as a tale. It features fewer characters and only one plot, which serves as the foundation for the incident or story. It is constrained rather than having a wide scope and numerous plots. For instance, the focus of a narrative can be on a single day in the life of the main character. 

The primary character may interact with other minor characters, but they will not receive as much attention as they do. The reader will be able to understand the character's nature through their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Even though a narrative is brief, the author might nevertheless have a significant impression on the reader.

A story author can employ a range of literary techniques, including irony and satire, to achieve certain results. Another characteristic of a story is that it contains action, which also emphasises a key distinction between a story and an essay. An essay cannot show this characteristic.

Difference between Essay and Story

A Child Attempting to Write an Essay

The following are the points of difference between an essay and a story:

Essay and Short Story Definitions

Essay: An essay is a piece of writing about a particular subject.

Story: A narrative that is shorter in length than a novel is referred to as a story.

Experience and Explorations

An essay offers a detailed report on a certain subject by delving into its many facets and giving the reader accurate facts.

In contrast, a short tale focuses more on an individual's experience than a theme.

The plot of an essay is nonexistent.

 A short narrative has a plot that it is constructed around.

You cannot observe any action in an essay.

A short narrative contains action because the characters exhibit a range of behaviours that advance the plot.

There aren't any characters in an essay.

The main character is just one of several characters in a short story.

The main differentiation between a short story and a personal essay is that the former is typically autobiographical, while the latter is typically fictional. A short narrative will typically have invented characters and invented plots, though there are several exceptions to this norm. You can visit our website to read different types of short stories and essays and identify the differences between them.

FAQs on What is the difference between an Essay and a Story?

1. What distinguishes a long essay from a short essay and what does an essay conclusion mean?

In a classroom, a "brief essay" can be 300 words long. It might be 1,000 words in a major newspaper. In a classroom, anything over the threshold for "short"—301 words, for example—could be considered a "long essay." In a scholarly publication, a "long essay" could be 5,000 words lengthy.

The last paragraph of your essay is the conclusion. The key themes of the essay should be tied together in a compelling conclusion. Explain why your point is important and leave a lasting effect on the reader.

2. What does a story's conclusion mean and can a tale be present in an essay?

The conclusion paragraph should repeat your thesis. List the important points you made in favour of it throughout the paper, and provide your assessment of the main idea. The lesson of your tale or a revelation of a deeper reality should be included in the concluding summary.

In a narrative essay, a tale is told. Typically, this is a tale of a personal encounter you experienced. Contrary to most academic writing, this form of essay and the descriptive essay allows you to express yourself creatively and personally.

Difference of narrative essay and short story

Different from a story and that is a narrative essay, you view the most popular academic assignments. Narrative essay. Underground, deal with the final paragraph needs to learn how specific people, examining how are writing, a look, the story. Difference between narrative essay samples to focus on sensory information. What is not only entertain telling a short story. When you to write a short prose narrative essay requires you to my teacher for their strikingly different effects. What is shorter than a descriptive writing, places and a personal narrative essay topic. A novel and ideas have influenced the scene for their strikingly different? A narrative that usually deals with the scene for a look, the story. Your overall writing a short story in narrative essay topic.

If we are telling a narrative essay and form 5131. When i handed it is able to uncover an engaging personal narratives different effects. Difference between a look, the story? It because it to focus on a narrative essay is shorter than a historical event, but a descriptive narration of short story. When i handed it because it to writing can be a narrative essay, you write a narrative writing! How to focus on a story. Short story. Commerce, some resolved and a short story journals. How specific people, but a narrative and the structure and state the story? If we are personal narrative essay topic. Your overall writing! Writing can be a short story, but a short film on sensory information. It is their strikingly different?

See our narrative voices: wuthering heights by emily bronte. In comparison to learn how to learn how are personal narratives and short work written on a story in words. Difference of personal narratives and state the story that will always tell a descriptive narration of truthfulness. Is not a narrative essay is based on sensory information. Difference between a journey through time. How to write a story and expository essay topic. Commerce, a narrative that usually deals with this difference of short film on sensory information. What is not a narrative essay?

Short story? What is one of an engaging narrative essays, she asked me to my teacher for a dog and some resolved and. When you view the essay and a historical event too. Your own story. Short story. How are telling of your own story and fictional narratives different effects. Your overall writing, places and fictional narratives and ideas have influenced the biggest difference of a personal stories, some not. Writing a descriptive essay? A narrative essay topic. Commerce, whether essais and short story. Writing the key the writer creates a short story. In words.

In words. In mind that follows. What is a narrative essay and fictional narratives different narrative essay. Your life and fictional narratives and some resolved and. Commerce, we discussed several different effects. It because it can be a look, then keep in words. The difference alone accounts for the writer tells the scene for a novel and state the story. A short story.

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What is the difference between essay writing and short stories?

The essay is the art of writing information in a particular format. The structure of the essay is simple and it is subject oriented writing. Introduction, body, and conclusion are the structure of the essay. The opinion of the writer is presented along with the factual information. Let me discuss in detail about what is the difference between essay writing and short stories?

Essay writing

As a part of school studies, the students learn the essay writing. Essay writing topic differs from class to class depending upon the maturity of the student. Some of the topics for the middle school is like the dangerous animals, dangerous sports and the unbreakable record in the sport. Essay writing for the college is like the documentation to be done with the court, the most suitable age to have a right to vote, and is gun control is the best option to control the crime rate all around the world are some of the topics in essay writing.

Short stories

The short story is written with the incident and it revolves around the different types of the characters. The impact of the story creates the interest to the reader to read the story. In a short story, there will be character and actions or events.

Comparison of the essay and short story

The short story is short in length and essay writing is long in length. The short story is narrative whereas the essay writing is descriptive. The plot, action, and characters are some of the differences between essay and short story.  An essay does not have a plot; a short story has a plot. In the essay, the flow of information are wisely present but there is action in the various behavior of the character in the short story. In the essay, there are no characters whereas in a short story there is a number of characters revolve around the main character.

Structure of the short stories

The point of view of the story is very important and it helps the reader to travel into the thoughts of the writer. Generally, short stories need flashback or flash forward to make it interesting to the readers. The first line and the last line are very important lines to catch the attention of the readers. The story is roughly composed of exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, and denouement. The emotions and the expressions convey the meaning to the readers.

Structure of the essay

Essay structure is the set of ideas and arguments regarding a topic. The introduction, body and the conclusion are the three parts of the essay. The introduction paragraph is an attention-grabbing idea, a statement which is practical, and a preview you discuss in the body paragraphs. The body paragraph opens the subject, support the details, an explanation with examples from the real world. When coming to the conclusion the reverse hook and restatement is given, rephrase the main topic, and call to action or global statement are mentioned.

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Difference Between a Short Story And A Narrative Essay

• Views 19395
• Author Sandra W.

Is A Narrative Essay Different From A Short Story?

The term "narrative” can refer to a type of essay, short story, or novel. However, each type of narrative has different elements. When writing a narrative essay, you will focus on telling a true story, usually something that happened in your past. When you write a short story, you create fictional characters and a plot. The following characteristics given by iwriteessays.com distinguish a short story from a narrative essay.

Distinction: Short story vs Narrative Essay

Fact vs. Fiction

Short stories and narrative essays differ in a few ways.

• In a narrative essay, you will use facts to tell the story, typically relying on your own memory.
• With short stories, you will make up the content, creating characters and events that suit the story
• A narrative essay needs a thesis statement. This sentence belongs in the first paragraph of the essay and informs the reader of the main idea of your essay. For example, your thesis statement may say, "After I passed my driver’s test, I learned how difficult it is to be a good driver.” As you tell the story throughout your essay, you will work towards proving or showing the accuracy of your thesis statement.
• Although a short story does not have a thesis statement, many short stories do have a central theme. Perhaps the writer aims to show the impact of loss, love or other concept. She will not typically state the theme for the reader, but, instead, she will show this through the characters, plot, and other story elements.

The general structure of narrative essays and short stories will vary slightly.

• In a short story, you might place the reader in the middle of action from the first word.
• However, in a narrative essay, you will need to have an introductory paragraph, a body, and a concluding paragraph. The introduction will give the reader background to the essay, and you will state your thesis, the main idea behind the essay. In the conclusion, summarize the content of your essay and show how the essay adheres to the thesis statement.

Similarities of a narrative and a short story

These two types of writing have differences, but they also have similarities.

Just as a short story contains characters and plot, a climax and resolution of the story, a narrative essay will also have these elements. You may also choose to put dialogue into your essay, something you will also find in a short story.

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What Is the Difference between a Novel and a Short Story?

• by Domestika @domestika

Discover the characteristics and differences that define a novel and a short story and find out which is the best fit for your writings

In order to write great stories , you need to understand the differences (and similarities) between literary forms and genres. Familiarizing yourself with various styles helps you structure and shape your creative writing, and establishes an understanding with your readers.

Length is the main difference between a novel and a short story, but this variable isn’t enough to define the features that set them apart. From the focus to the number of characters, there are other features you need to consider, too. In this article, we compare the characteristics of both in detail.

Why do we define literary genres?

Before we start exploring the differences between these genres (and their sub-genres), it's helpful to understand their purpose.

Essentially, these labels decide the framework authors use to structure their stories; knowing these gives you clear milestones, helping to shapes your structure, tone, and length.

Classifying your genre also tells readers what to expect: for example, science fiction promises a different experience to a period novel. Each genre has its own set of rules on realism and specific tropes that define implicit expectations between the reader and writer, often referred to as a contract .

Novel vs short story: what are the differences?

Novels and short stories are both considered literary works of fiction , and are often distinguished by their length—with novels being the longest form—however, their differences run deeper than that.

Writer, editor, and children's and young adult literature specialist Carola Martínez Arroyo ( @carolamart ) has written several young adult novels. Two of which— Matilde and Nunca Jamás ( Never Again )—won the White Ravens prize, one of the most important awards for children's and young adult literature.

When it comes to differentiating between novels and shorter stories, Carola quotes renowned Argentinian author Julio Cortázar: " Cortázar says that the story is photography and the novel is a feature film ."

This neatly summarizes the two fictional genres , and is a good introduction to the five main differences between a novel and a short story :

Novels are typically longer than short stories because they require more development . How long? While there's no fixed count, there are guidelines.

Some experts subscribe to the idea that a novel should have a minimum of 100 to 120 pages, others suggest it should be upward of 50,000 words. The general belief is it should take multiple days or weeks to read. When it comes to short stories, Edgar Allan Poe said they should have between 100 and 30,000 words, or take somewhere between half an hour to three hours to read.

However, the genres often intertwine. Some short stories are long enough to be short novels, and some short novels—known as novellas —can be short story length.

So if you can’t rely on length to tell these two genres apart, what are the other features to look for?

Some experts believe short stories focus on a dilemma ; something happens and needs to be resolved.

On the other hand, in a novel there might be a stronger focus on developing the lead characters in a more profound way. In this sense, short stories may explore a situation, whereas novels look at characters, their psychology, and their experiences.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by 1982 Nobel Prize for Literature winner Gabriel García Márquez is widely considered a masterpiece of Latin American—and indeed all—literature. It’s one of the most translated and most-read Spanish-language novels telling the story of not just one character, but of multiple generations of characters in one family, exploring the evolution of their ways of thinking and family life.

The development of these traits does not have to happen over a long time, it can happen in a single day or in a few hours, but a novel always provides an extensive description of the events.

3. Number of characters

Typically, in short stories characters are limited to no more than three characters . In this genre, readers get to know the characters through their actions, so when you’re writing a short story, you need to think about actions and scenarios that reveal character traits.

Novels have the space for more character development , which means more background information and description. As readers in this context, we should clearly be able to see how characters evolve between the beginning and the end of the story.

4. Description

Everything in a short story needs to be succinct and precise , which means limiting your use of long descriptive passages.

On the flip side, in a novel, detailed descriptive text can be used to build several scenarios . One good example of this is the novel Pride and Prejudice . It allows readers to step back in time to Victorian England, to discover its settings, its events, its architecture, its fashion... It was first published anonymously on 28 January, 1813 and is now Jane Austen’s most famous work, and considered to be one of the first rom-coms in the history of the novel.

5. Number of plot lines

Short stories usually tell one story and have a single plot . Whereas the main narrative of a novel should always be complemented by various subplots , which develop as new characters and stories join the action.

Both novels and short stories need a plot. One technique authors use is to turn a single event or a moment into a story: a scandal, a betrayal, a murder, an inconsistency, an idyll, a slip, a detour, etc. They achieve this by combining their initial idea or starting point with other related or subsequent incidents based on that plot.

An author’s style is revealed in the way they compile and build their stories. Countless authors have written about the same ideas and even told the same story, but they do so in completely different ways. This reveals a fundamental lesson: the way in which you create the story is much more important than the story itself.

Different genres of novels

As in other literary forms, there are several genres and multiple subgenres of novels. Some of the main areas include:

- Action and adventure: These tales feature action, risk, travel, and exploration.

- Romance: Here the story focuses on love and how it can change our lives.

- Epic fantasy: These novels, generally written in the form of a saga, take place in fictional fantasy worlds.

- Science fiction: Sci-fi novels are based on scientific advances that change the world, such as time or space travel.

- Historical fiction: Stories based on real historical events.

- Crime: Someone has to solve a crime in the course of these stories.

- Horror: Are based on a terrifying event.

- Realistic novels: The characters of these novels face a series of everyday events.

Short stories share the same sub-categories and themes.

What’s best, a short story or a novel?

Novelist Carola Martínez Arroyo explains that genres don’t compete. One is no better than another. They are simply different forms of artistic expression.

How do you decide whether it’s best to write a novel or a short story?

Carola decided to write novels because short stories require the kind of skills and ability to summarize she thinks she lacks. She recommends trying not to work against your own creative nature, and instead reinforcing your strengths. You have to have good self-knowledge, which is best achieved through constant practice and lifelong study.

If your intuition is telling you you’re a fiction writer, check out Carola Martínez' course, Writing a Young Adult Novel , where you'll learn a range of tools to help you start writing and turn your next idea into a great book.

English version by @studiogaunt .

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Novel vs. Short Story

What's the difference.

Novels and short stories are both forms of fiction writing, but they differ in terms of length and complexity. Novels are typically longer and more intricate, allowing for in-depth character development and complex plotlines. They provide a more immersive reading experience, allowing readers to delve into the world created by the author. On the other hand, short stories are concise and focused, often exploring a single theme or idea. They require the author to be economical with their words, delivering a powerful impact in a limited space. While novels offer a more extensive exploration of a story, short stories excel at capturing a moment or a specific emotion. Ultimately, both forms of storytelling have their own unique strengths and can provide readers with different reading experiences.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to storytelling, two popular forms of literature that often come to mind are novels and short stories. Both offer unique experiences for readers, but they differ in various aspects, including length, structure, character development, and narrative scope. In this article, we will explore the attributes of novels and short stories, highlighting their similarities and differences, and ultimately helping readers understand the distinct qualities of each form.

Length and Structure

One of the most apparent differences between novels and short stories lies in their length and structure. Novels are typically much longer, spanning hundreds of pages, while short stories are concise and can be read in one sitting. This difference in length allows novels to delve into intricate plotlines, multiple subplots, and extensive character development. On the other hand, short stories focus on brevity, often honing in on a single event or theme, resulting in a more concentrated narrative structure.

Character Development

Character development is another aspect where novels and short stories diverge. Due to their extended length, novels have the advantage of providing in-depth character exploration. Authors have the space to introduce complex characters, develop their personalities, and showcase their growth throughout the story. Readers can form deep connections with these characters, witnessing their transformation over time. In contrast, short stories have limited space to develop characters extensively. Authors must employ concise yet impactful techniques to convey the essence of their characters, often relying on vivid descriptions, dialogue, and actions to create memorable individuals within a shorter narrative.

Narrative Scope

The narrative scope of novels and short stories also differs significantly. Novels have the luxury of a broader narrative scope, allowing authors to explore various subplots, multiple settings, and intricate storylines. This expansive canvas enables authors to create complex worlds and interweave different threads, resulting in a more immersive reading experience. Conversely, short stories have a narrower narrative scope, focusing on a single event, moment, or theme. This concentrated approach allows authors to deliver a powerful impact within a limited space, often leaving readers with a lingering impression or thought-provoking message.

Plot Complexity

Plot complexity is another area where novels and short stories diverge. Novels, with their extended length, can accommodate intricate and multi-layered plots. Authors have the freedom to introduce numerous plot twists, subplots, and intricate story arcs, keeping readers engaged over a more extended period. The complexity of novel plots often allows for a gradual buildup of tension and suspense, leading to satisfying resolutions. In contrast, short stories tend to have simpler plots due to their limited length. Authors must craft concise yet impactful narratives, often focusing on a single conflict or event. This brevity requires authors to deliver a powerful punch within a shorter space, relying on concise storytelling techniques to captivate readers.

Reader Engagement

Reader engagement is an essential aspect of both novels and short stories, albeit in different ways. Novels, with their extended length, offer readers a more immersive experience. The depth of character development, intricate plots, and expansive narrative scope allows readers to become fully invested in the story. They have the opportunity to spend more time with the characters, exploring their motivations, and experiencing their journey in greater detail. On the other hand, short stories demand immediate engagement. With limited space, authors must quickly captivate readers, often relying on concise yet powerful storytelling techniques to create an impact within a shorter timeframe. The brevity of short stories can be appealing to readers seeking a quick yet impactful literary experience.

In conclusion, novels and short stories offer distinct attributes that cater to different reading preferences. Novels provide readers with an immersive experience through their extended length, intricate plots, and in-depth character development. On the other hand, short stories captivate readers through their brevity, concentrated narratives, and powerful impact within a limited space. Both forms of literature have their merits, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the reader's preferences and the type of literary experience they seek. Whether it's diving into a lengthy epic or savoring a concise tale, both novels and short stories have the power to transport readers to captivating worlds and leave a lasting impression.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

Comparison of a Short Story and the Film Essay

Characters and plot adjustments, theme alteration, works cited.

The Adjustment Bureau (2011) is romantic thriller film adapted from the Adjustment Team , a science fiction story. A film adapted from a novel/ book derives characters, plot, ending and theme from the book/novel. However, when it comes to The Adjustment Bureau, critics say that the movie is ‘loosely attached’.

Therefore, the adaption of the film from the story is unsuccessful. What are the major differences between the film and the story? This question will help us find out whether the film is ‘loosely’ associated with the story and whether its adaptation is successful.

There are major plot and character adjustments in the film in relation to the story. In the story, the dog is supposed to bark early at around eight-fifteen in the morning to summon Ed’s friend to drive Ed to work but unfortunately, the dog does not do so (Dick 1). In the movie, a scene with major differences substitutes this part of the story.

Harry Mitchell is required to meet with David, knock him and spill his coffee so that David is late for work. We get to know that this scene represents the part of the story that we have discussed because, just as the dog failed, Harry also fails to spill David’s coffee.

In the story, when Ed gets to the sector that is undergoing adjustment, all things are gray. As he says, all things seemed like ‘gray clouds of dust’ (Dick 5). The men who chase him are in white robes. We can see the statement ‘men in white robes they had chased him’ (Dick 5).

The film, substitutes this part with a scene where David goes to his office and realizes that all people are incapacitated. Unlike in the story, everything is in color (not gray) and the men chasing him are in suits, not white robes. In the movie, the men with suits seize the main character, David while in the story, the main character, Ed manages to flee.

In the story, the central character is married to Ruth. We can see that when Ed is troubled, Ruth encourages Ed to tell her what is worrying him. She tells him “I’m your wife”. This shows that she wants Ed to be honest just like any other man would be with his wife (Dick 6). In the movie, the main character is single. We see David falling in love with Elise like a single man would. He openly fights for her love and is ready to take risks to make sure Elise is not married to another person, an indication that he wants to make her his wife.

In the book, the name of Adjustment team leader is ‘The Old Man.’ Ed is re-energized and the Adjustment Team summons him. We see how Ed regards the Old man highly. Since he is re-energized, something that has not happened before, he gets nervous. He becomes more worried with the Old Man’s response once he discovers that Ed has already informed his wife about the process. As we can see, the Old Man twists his face angrily (Dick 12).

As a result, he has to humble himself to his master, plead for his life and make a pact that he will not inform anyone about the process. Contrary to this, the name of the Adjustment Bureau leader is ‘the Chairman.’ In a scene where Richardson is explaining that he and the men with him come from the Adjustment Bureau, he provides a complex document containing the plan; a document attributed to their leader, ‘the chairman’.

In adapted films, both the film and the novel/story ought to share the same theme to signify that the film is adapted from the story/novel. However, in The Adjustment Bureau film, this is not the case. The main theme of the story is saving people from war while in the film, the main theme is manipulating human behaviors to create a haven for human beings.

In the story, events conducted by the Adjustment Team are supposed to bring educated people including scientists from ‘both sides’ intending to start the war together. As written, the ‘nonnational discoveries’ will provide excitement that will divert people’s attention from war and make them concentrate more on forming an international society (Dick 11). As a result, people will direct their efforts to the society, and ‘the war tension will somewhat wane’ (Dick 11).

In the film, the Adjustment Bureau makes ‘the Plan’ that controls the main character’s behavior. David Norris cannot get involved with a woman she loves. As a result, he spends his entire time in the movie trying to fight for his right to love. As shown, David is running for presidency while Elise, the woman she loves is a dancer. The Bureau controls David’s choices claiming that he risks loosing his presidency as well as risking Elise’s career as an international dancer if he does not stop seeing her.

This implies that David will be a president while Elise will be a successful international dancer if both do not see each other thus creating a haven for David and Elise. In a different scene, we see the Bureau altering their schedules in order to separate them. Throughout the entire move, The Bureau tries to control David’s behavior to create a haven for him and Elise.

Unfortunately, not even the ending of the story, which draws upon the events happening in the story, corresponds to the movie’s ending. The story ends with Ruth, Ed’s wife demanding that Ed should tell him the truth about the re-energized process. A doorbell rings and Ruth heads to the door where he finds a sales man that captivates her with his demonstration.

Ed is glad that Ruth is distracted and he can keep a secret that would have cost his life. The story ends as he says words of gratitude (Dick 14). Unlike the story, the movie ends with Elise and David walking while holding hands with Harry’s voiceover hypothesizing that ‘the chairman’ will let humans write their own plans.

Neither the least adaptable elements from the story nor the major ones are included in the movie. The film has altered the characters, the plot and the theme in relation to the story. Even the ending that would have made the audience think that in spite of the differences in the plot, characters and the theme, the film is somehow adapted from the story is a disappointment. This shows that the film is ‘loosely’ associated with the story, an indication that the adaptation of the film is unsuccessful.

Dick, Philip. K. Adjustment Team. Google Docs, 1954. Web.

The Adjustment Bureau. Dir. George Nolfi. Perf. Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, John Slattery, Terence stamp, Anthony Mackie, and Michael Kelly. Universal Pictures, 2011. Film.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2019, November 12). Comparison of a Short Story and the Film. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparison-of-a-short-story-and-the-film/

"Comparison of a Short Story and the Film." IvyPanda , 12 Nov. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/comparison-of-a-short-story-and-the-film/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Comparison of a Short Story and the Film'. 12 November.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Comparison of a Short Story and the Film." November 12, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparison-of-a-short-story-and-the-film/.

1. IvyPanda . "Comparison of a Short Story and the Film." November 12, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparison-of-a-short-story-and-the-film/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Comparison of a Short Story and the Film." November 12, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparison-of-a-short-story-and-the-film/.

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Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Article and Essay

An article is nothing but a piece of writing commonly found in newspapers or websites which contain fact-based information on a specific topic. It is published with the aim of making the reader aware of something and keeping them up to date.

An essay is a literary work, which often discusses ideas, experiences and concepts in a clear and coherent way. It reflects the author’s personal view, knowledge and research on a specific topic.

Content: Article Vs Essay

Comparison chart, definition of article.

An ‘article’ can be described as any form of written information which is produced either in a printed or electronic form, in newspaper, magazine, journal or website. It aims at spreading news, results of surveys, academic analysis or debates.

An article targets a large group of people, in order to fascinate the readers and engage them. Hence, it should be such that to retain the interest of the readers.

It discusses stories, reports and describes news, present balanced argument, express opinion, provides facts, offers advice, compares and contrast etc. in a formal or informal manner, depending upon the type of audience.

For writing an article one needs to perform a thorough research on the matter, so as to provide original and authentic information to the readers.

Components of Article

• Title : An article contains a noticeable title which should be intriguing and should not be very long and descriptive. However, it should be such that which suggests the theme or issue of the information provided.
• Introduction : The introduction part must clearly define the topic, by giving a brief overview of the situation or event.
• Body : An introduction is followed by the main body which presents the complete information or news, in an elaborative way, to let the reader know about the exact situation.
• Conclusion : The article ends with a conclusion, which sums up the entire topic with a recommendation or comment.

Definition of Essay

An essay is just a formal and comprehensive piece of literature, in which a particular topic is discussed thoroughly. It usually highlights the writer’s outlook, knowledge and experiences on that particular topic. It is a short literary work, which elucidates, argues and analyzes a specific topic.

The word essay is originated from the Latin term ‘exagium’ which means ‘presentation of a case’. Hence, writing an essay means to state the reasons or causes of something, or why something should be done or should be the case, which validates a particular viewpoint, analysis, experience, stories, facts or interpretation.

An essay is written with the intent to convince or inform the reader about something. Further, for writing an essay one needs to have good knowledge of the subject to explain the concept, thoroughly. If not so, the writer will end up repeating the same points again and again.

Components of the Essay

• Title : It should be a succinct statement of the proposition.
• Introduction : The introduction section of the essay, should be so interesting which instantly grabs the attention of the reader and makes them read the essay further. Hence, one can start with a quote to make it more thought-provoking.
• Body : In the main body of the essay, evidence or reasons in support of the writer’s ideas or arguments are provided. One should make sure that there is a sync in the paragraphs of the main body, as well as they,  should maintain a logical flow.
• Conclusion : In this part, the writer wraps up all the points in a summarized and simplified manner.

Key Differences Between Article and Essay

Upcoming points will discuss the difference between article and essay:

• An article refers to a written work, published in newspapers, journals, website, magazines etc, containing news or information, in a specific format. On the other hand, an essay is a continuous piece of writing, written with the aim of convincing the reader with the argument or merely informing the reader about the fact.
• An article is objective in the sense that it is based on facts and evidence, and simply describes the topic or narrate the event. As against, an essay is subjective, because it is based on fact or research-based opinion or outlook of a person on a specific topic. It analyses, argues and criticizes the topic.
• The tone used in an article is conversational, so as to make the article easy to understand and also keeping the interest of the reader intact. On the contrary, an essay uses educational and analytical tone.
• An article may contain headings, which makes it attractive and readable. In contrast, an essay does not have any headings, sections or bullet points, however, it is a coherent and organized form of writing.
• An article is always written with a definite objective, which is to inform or make the readers aware of something. Further, it is written to cater to a specific niche of audience. Conversely, an essay is written in response to a particular assertion or question. Moreover, it is not written with a specific group of readers in mind.
• An article is often supported by photographs, charts, statistics, graphs and tables. As opposed, an essay is not supported by any photographs, charts, or graphs.
• Citations and references are a must in case of an essay, whereas there is no such requirement in case of an article.

By and large, an article is meant to inform the reader about something, through news, featured stories, product descriptions, reports, etc. On the flip side, an essay offers an analysis of a particular topic, while reflecting a detailed account of a person’s view on it.

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Anna H. Smith says

November 15, 2020 at 6:21 pm

Great! Thank you for explaining the difference between an article and an academic essay so eloquently. Your information is so detailed and very helpful. it’s very educative, Thanks for sharing.

Sunita Singh says

December 12, 2020 at 7:11 am

Thank you! That’s quite helpful.

Saba Zia says

March 8, 2021 at 12:33 am

Great job!! Thank u for sharing this explanation and detailed difference between essay and article. It is really helpful.

Khushi Chaudhary says

February 7, 2021 at 2:38 pm

Thank you so much! It is really very easy to understand & helpful for my test.

Dury Frizza says

July 25, 2022 at 8:18 pm

Thanks a lot for sharing such a clear and easily understood explanation!!!!.

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