How to Write a Synopsis

Meaning and Purpose

 A synopsis is a narrative summary of a story.

 Its purpose is to map the story and help the reader develop an understanding of the author’s
intentions.
 The synopsis gives the reader an understanding of the characters because it includes their
main choices and actions.

The Synopsis Format should:

 include the author and title

 be written in the third person, present tense
 be 1 - 1.5 pages in length
 use single spacing
 capture the essence of your story
 be clear and concise
 summarise a story which develops in a cause-and-effect way

Write your content under the correct narrative headings, namely:

 Title
 Orientation
 Complication
 Series of Events
 Resolution
 Coda

The synopsis must include:

 how the story begins, develops and ends.

 the key event or events.
 an insight into the characters’ objectives.
 the decisions they make and actions they take to achieve those objectives.
 the obstacles they face and how they overcome them.
 whether they are successful or not.
 how the characters have changed and what they have learned at the end.