novela

Novela is a long work of prose fiction that narrates a sequence of events centered on characters and their development over time. In Spanish-language usage, the term corresponds to the English “novel” and denotes a literary form broader than a short story. A novela typically features a structured plot, a sustained exploration of themes such as identity, social life, or moral questions, and is organized into chapters and narrative arcs.

History: The novela evolved from medieval romances and picaresque tales. In Spain, Cervantes's Don Quixote (1605) is often cited as a turning point, combining satire, realism, and metafiction. From the 17th to 19th centuries, the form spread across Europe and the Americas, giving rise to Realism and Romanticism. In the 20th century, Latin American writers popularized the form internationally, with innovations such as layered narration and magical realism.

Characteristics and genres: Novelas vary in style but commonly emphasize character development, social context, and thematic depth. They can be realist, historical, detective, or experimental, and may employ multiple viewpoints, non-linear time, and varied narrative voices. Core themes include love, power, class, colonial legacies, and identity.

Notable examples: Don Quixote; One Hundred Years of Solitude; The House of the Spirits; The Feast of the Goat. The novela remains a central means of exploring human experience across cultures and periods, and it continues to adapt to new media and voices.