Final answer:
A novel is a longer literary form with a broader scope, more characters, and a longer timeframe than a short story, which is more succinct and usually focuses on a narrow plot, few characters, and a shorter time span.
Step-by-step explanation:
A novel differs from a short story primarily in length, scope, and depth. While a short story is typically more concise with fewer characters and a narrower plot often spanning a shorter timeframe, a novel is a longer work that can explore a wide range of events and a broader cast of characters over a more extended period.
Novels have the space to offer more complex narratives and detailed character development compared to the more streamlined and focused nature of short stories. Short stories often have a tight narrative structure with a climax that brings a dramatic twist or revelation, and they usually conclude with an ending that encourages reflection on the theme.
In contrast, novels provide a vast canvas to delve into multiple subplots, a variety of settings, and a greater exploration of themes and social issues. Another format, the novella, exists between these two, being longer than a short story but shorter than a novel, offering a middle ground in terms of narrative complexity and character development.