Synopses

A synopsis is a concise summary of the major points of a text, film, play, or other work, intended to convey its essential content without requiring the reader to examine the original in full. The term comes from the Greek synopsis, from syn “together” and opsis “view,” reflecting the idea of presenting a bringing-together view of the work’s narrative. Synopses can focus on plot, structure, themes, or overall argument, depending on the context.

In publishing, film, theater, and television, synopses serve to communicate the core premise, main characters, and key events to editors, agents, producers, or program programmers. They are often used in submissions, development pitches, catalog descriptions, or press materials. While a blurb aims to entice a general audience, a synopsis typically provides a more complete outline of the work, including its ending or resolution, though guidelines about spoilers vary by industry and purpose.

Style and length vary by context. Most plot synopses are written in the third person and present tense, outlining the narrative arc rather than arguing about it. Short synopses may be a paragraph or two, while longer or extended synopses for submissions can span several pages. Effective synopses emphasize the central conflict, protagonist goals, major turning points, stakes, and the ultimate outcome, while avoiding unnecessary subplots unless they are essential to understanding the main arc.

Best practices include starting with a clear premise or hook, maintaining a logical sequence of events, and focusing on information that helps a reader assess the work’s potential. The level of detail should match the intended audience and the submission guidelines.