Write a Synopsis

Given below are general guidelines for writing a synopsis.

Part 1 – Outlining Your Synopsis

1. Start the synopsis after you have finished the complete reading: Writing your synopsis after you finish the reading will help you identify the main characters, plot points, and conflict.
2. Make a list of your main characters: This may include the main characters. Only the most important characters should be mentioned in a synopsis. Take a minute to write out who your main characters are. Make sure each of your characters is dynamic, rather than flat. They all need to be well-rounded and capable of change. Additionally, each character should impact the story in a significant way.
3. Sketch out the major plot points in your story: The synopsis will cover the main refers to the chronological construction of plot in the story. This usually does not include subplots, unless the subplot is important to the overall conclusion of the main chronological construction of plot. Try to outline the main conflict, rising action, and conclusion of your story.

If you have a collection of short stories or poetry, identify the main themes of each work. For example, you might state, “This collection explores memory, childhood, and innocence.”

4. Identify what is unique about your story: To make your synopsis stand out, highlight what is unique in the story. Use this angle to make your synopsis different or interesting.

If your story has an interesting point of view, mention it. You can say, “This story centres on the last king in the underground kingdom.”

If your story has a unique twist, you can mention the twist while still leaving some mystery. For example, you might say, “Abhijat soon realizes that the murderer may be closer to him than he thinks.”

5. How long the synopsis must be: There will have different requirements for synopsis length, depending on the number of pages of the story, novel, etc. You may be given guidelines for this.

• Write a one-sentence summary of each paragraph.
• Rearrange and rewrite the paragraph to make it clear and concise, to eliminate repetition and relatively minor points, and to provide transitions.
• The final version should be a complete, unified, and logical.

Part 2 – Drafting the Synopsis

1. Write in third person: Write the synopsis in third person, using “he,” “she,” “it,” and “they” as pronouns. Throughout the synopsis, restate the main characters’ names frequently.
2. Introduce your main characters and conflict at the beginning: The first paragraph should introduce all of the main characters while giving a general summary of the entire plot.

For example, you might start the paragraph by saying, “When his plane crashes in the isolated parts of the forest, Sanjay realizes that to survive, he must first overcome her inner demons & fears.”

3. Summarize the main events of the plot: Include any obstacles that the character faces and describe how they overcome these obstacles. Avoid subplots and any back-stories in your synopsis unless they are crucial to understanding the main plot.

Don’t go into too much detail about subplots and minor actions. You don’t want your synopsis to be confusing, so focus on the main story.

4. End with resolution of the book: The reader of the synopsis should understand exactly how the plot resolves. This is not a good time to introduce any new information about the book. It is never a good idea to leave out the ending in a synopsis. You might say, “Sanjay discovers that Ajay had stolen the diamond. The story concludes with the police arresting Ajay.”
5. Demonstrate character development and emotion: As you advance the story, you should describe what your character learns and feels throughout the story. Explore the emotional state of your protagonist with every new twist or event. For example, you might write, “Re-energized by his new discovery, Sanjay rushes to contact Geeta, only to be shocked when he learns that she is already dead.”

Part 3 – Editing Your Synopsis

1. Format your synopsis according to the guidelines. Generally you will need to use a 12-point font such as Times New Roman. If you don’t have guidelines, you should include your name and the title of your work at the top of the page.
2. Review your synopsis: Whatever you submit needs to be perfect. Carefully read through the work to eliminate any typing errors, spelling mistakes, grammatical mistakes or missing words. Edit for shortness as well. Remove any unnecessary words/phrases.