* The novel had precursors: Before Defoe, there were other forms of prose fiction, including romances, picaresque novels, and epistolary novels.
* Defoe's innovations: Defoe's contribution was significant in pushing the novel towards its modern form. He emphasized realism, focusing on everyday life and social issues. He also used a more journalistic style, incorporating detail and observation into his narratives.
* Other pioneers: Authors like Samuel Richardson and Henry Fielding also played crucial roles in establishing the English novel. Richardson's *Pamela* is considered the first true sentimental novel, while Fielding's *Tom Jones* is a masterpiece of comic realism.
Therefore, it's more accurate to say that Defoe was a key figure in the development of the English novel rather than its sole "father." He was a pioneer who, along with other authors, helped shape the genre into what it is today.