How does the narrative arc of a short story compare to the narrative arc of a novel?

Question

Both a short story and novel contain the traditional narrative arc, but a short story moves much quicker through the arc.

Both a short story and novel contain the traditional narrative arc, but novels move much quicker through the arc.

Only a short story contains a traditional narrative arc.

Only a novel contains a traditional narrative arc.

Answer 1

The correct statement is: Both a short story and novel contain the traditional narrative arc, but a short story moves much quicker through the arc.

In essence, both short stories and novels typically feature a narrative arc that includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. However, due to their brevity, short stories tend to progress more rapidly through these stages, often focusing on a single conflict or moment, while novels provide more space for character development, subplots, and complex themes, allowing for a more gradual progression through the arc.