HOW TO WRITE A SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

STUDY WRITING 

What is a synopsis of a book?

A synopsis is an outline of the plot of a book. This summary familiarizes the reader with the plot and how it unfolds.

A synopsis simply says what happens and who changes in the story.

A synopsis should include:

A complete narrative arc (a brief summary of your story's main plot, subplots and the ending)

A narrative arc has 5 main parts: 

 

• Exposition
• Give any relevant background information
• Identify the main character.
• Establish the setting -Where and when the story takes place.

• Rising action
• Begins with the inciting incident (event that triggers events in the plot)

• Climax
• Highest point of tension where the protagonist must make an important choice 

• Falling action
• This comes as the result of the protagonist’s action
• Conflict gives way to the resolution
• Tension begins to dissipate 

• Resolution
• Ending

 

A few character descriptions

• Protagonist and antagonist should be memorable
• Talk about the characters’ actions and their motivations

 

An overview of major themes

 

 

Narrative arc vs Plot

The narrative arc is the structure or shape of the story. It determines the plateaus and peaks that set the pace e.g. calm beginning, tense middle and resolution at the end.

Plot on the other hand is simply the individual events that make up a story (what happens in the story), as opposed to the sequence/path of those events (arc).

 

According to Gustav Freytag (19 C German novelist) every narrative arc goes through 5 dramatic stages:

1. Exposition
2. Rising action
3. Climax
4. Falling action
5. Resolution

 

Purpose of a synopsis

Outlines plot – gives a clear picture of the narrative arc

Identifies main characters – hints at any major character development arcs

Shares an ending that feels satisfying

 

 

How to write a novel synopsis

A good synopsis outlines the plot and demonstrates a clear arc.

Mention any major plot twists, characters, and the big turning point or dramatic scene.

A good synopsis combines plot mechanics and emotions. It has a structure(the 5 dramatic stages of a narrative arc) and characters (who they are and how events in the story impact them).

Your summary should ideally be 500-800 words.

 

What to include in the synopsis

Inciting incident – what sparks the central conflict of your story?

Rising action – what happens between inciting incident and climax? How does this build tension?

Climax – this is the height of action or the moat exciting part of the plot

Resolution/ending – reveal the ending

 

What a synopsis must accomplish

Protagonist

Describe the mindset and motivation of the main character

What happens to change their situation?

What drives them to change?

 

Conflict

Who/what is driving the conflict?

How the protagonist succeeds or fails in dealing with it

 

Resolution

How the conflict is resolved

How protagonist situation has changed

 

Other characters that get a mention? Those who influence the protagonist and plot twist.

 

Format/structure of a synopsis

Paragraph one: Exposition-introduce the protagonist and conflict.

Paragraph two: Inciting incident –rising action – climax – explain which major plot turn happens to the protagonist, mention the villain (antagonist) and other vital characters

Paragraph three –Falling action – resolution (denouement)

 

Tips for writing a good synopsis

• Focus on the main characters, what motivates them through the story line and the conflicts they face along the way
• Include the characters' feelings and emotions that help in plot advancement
• Include how characters evolve
• Keep it simple. Focus on clarity. Less is more.
• Mention critical turning points
• Reveal how the story ends
• Use active voice
• Use 3^rd person point of view (even if the story is written in 1^st person)
• What’s unique about the story?
• The synopsis should start and end without any breaks, sections or subheadings. Avoid splitting the synopsis into sections.
• Keep it brief – 500-700 words
• Write in present tense
• Use formal language
• Stay neutral

FUNCTIONAL WRITING: KCSE PAST QUESTIONS ON SYNOPSIS 

KCSE ENGLISH PAPER ONE 2011

Your club is organizing to stage a performance of Henrik Ibsen’s play “An Enemy of the People”. You are inviting neighbouring schools and the general public to the event.

a)     Write a notice announcing the event and inviting other schools and the public to attend.

b)     In not more than 200 words, write a synopsis of the play to accompany the notice

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