This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
The novel can have several hundred pages, while the script may contain dozens of scenes. However, before reading the entire work, an editor or producer often needs to understand what the story is about and how it is structured. This is where a synopsis comes in — a concise summary that allows one to see the plot as a whole.
What does the word "synopsis" mean
A synopsis is a brief, sequential summary of the main content of a work or concept. In literature and film, it usually describes the main characters, central conflict, and key events.
The word comes from the Greek sýnopsis — "general overview." This origin well conveys its purpose: to encompass the whole without delving into every detail. In a broader sense, a synopsis can also refer to a brief overview of a specific topic, although today the word is often encountered in discussions about books, films, and scripts.
A synopsis helps to understand not only what is happening but also why one event leads to another. If one simply lists the hero's adventures, the logic of the story may get lost. Therefore, it is important to show their goal, obstacles, solutions, and their consequences.
How a synopsis differs from an annotation and a logline
An annotation is usually seen on the cover of a book or on its page in a bookstore. It introduces the work and is meant to engage the reader, so it often outlines only the setup and leaves the main mysteries unresolved.
A synopsis for a publisher or producer serves a different purpose: it shows how the story develops. The recipient needs to evaluate the plot, character motivations, and resolution.
For example, an annotation might end with the words: "In an old house, Martha finds a letter that changes everything she knew about her family." In the synopsis, it will be necessary to explain what exactly is written in the letter, what actions it prompts Martha to take, and how her search concludes.
A logline is even shorter: it is usually one or two sentences that formulate the essence of the story — who the main character is, what they desire, and what hinders them. It conveys the main idea and conflict but does not retell the entire plot.
A review, on the other hand, contains analysis and evaluation of the work. A synopsis should not convince that the novel is "genius" or the film is "incredibly touching": its task is to clearly present the content.
Should the ending be revealed
In a synopsis for professional consideration, the ending and main plot twists are usually revealed. It is important for the editor to know whether the mystery has a convincing answer, how the conflict is resolved, and what the hero's decisions lead to.
Therefore, the phrase "Will she manage to save the city — find out at the end" is usually inappropriate here. It should be stated directly whether she succeeded, at what cost, and what changed afterward.
At the same time, on cinema and streaming service websites, the word "synopsis" is sometimes used to refer to a brief description for the viewer. Such text may not contain spoilers. Thus, the requirements depend on the purpose: a description for the public and a document for project evaluation may have the same name but different levels of detail.
What a synopsis looks like: a short example
Let's imagine a fictional story about the closure of a city library:
Librarian Olena learns that the city council plans to sell the library building. She organizes a campaign against the sale, but most residents do not believe that the decision can be changed. While searching for documents about the building, Olena finds the will of its former owner: the property was given to the community on the condition that a library would operate here. The document becomes the basis for contesting the sale. After public outcry, the council reverses its decision, and the residents join in restoring the library. Olena, who initially tried to handle everything herself, learns to ask for help.
This is a very concise example. It includes the main heroine, a threat, an attempt to solve the problem, a decisive discovery, and the outcome. It is also clear how Olena herself changes.
How to write a synopsis
Start with the main plotline: who acts, what they desire, what disrupts the usual life, and compels them to take action. Next, select the events without which it is impossible to understand the development of the conflict and the ending.
Secondary characters and subplots are included to the extent that they influence the main story. Long dialogues, descriptions of interiors, and detailed biographies are usually unnecessary. However, the important decision of the hero should not be omitted just for the sake of brevity: without it, the next twist may seem random.
For artistic works, a common format is a summary in the third person in the present tense: "the heroine finds," "learns," "decides." This is a convenient practice, but specific requirements of the recipient take precedence.
There is no universal length. One publisher may request one page, while another may ask for a more detailed text or a specific word count. Before sending, it is important to check the submission guidelines.
A useful final check is to give the synopsis to someone who has not read the work. If they understand why the hero acts the way they do and how the story reaches its resolution, the text fulfills its purpose.
