Writing a synopsis for a screenplay is an essential skill for any writer looking to pitch their story to producers, agents, or directors. A well-crafted synopsis captures the essence of the story, introduces key characters, and highlights the main conflict—all in a concise and engaging way. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to writing a great synopsis, provide examples from well-known movies and series, and include exercises to help you craft your own.
What is a Synopsis?
A synopsis is a summary of your story that presents the main plot points in a clear and structured manner. It differs from a logline (a one- or two-sentence pitch) in that it provides more detail about the narrative arc, key events, and character development.
Why is a Synopsis Important?
- Helps you refine your story before writing the full script.
- Allows industry professionals to quickly understand your screenplay.
- Serves as a roadmap for structuring your story.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Great Synopsis
1. Start with the Basics
Before writing, clarify the essential elements of your story:
- Who is your protagonist?
- What is their goal?
- What obstacles do they face?
- How does the story resolve?
2. Structure Your Synopsis Like a Story
A strong synopsis follows a clear structure:
The Setup
Introduce the protagonist, their world, and the inciting incident that disrupts their life.
Example: In “Stranger Things,” a small-town boy vanishes, leading his mother and friends to uncover a supernatural mystery.
The Conflict
Describe the main challenge and rising tension.
Example: In “Jaws,” after a deadly shark attack, the town’s sheriff must battle bureaucracy and fear to stop the creature.
The Climax
Show the highest point of tension where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge.
Example: In “The Dark Knight,” Batman must choose between saving the city and his own moral code as he confronts the Joker’s final trap.
The Resolution
Conclude with how the story ends and what changes in the protagonist’s world.
Example: In “Titanic,” after the ship sinks, Rose survives and reflects on her newfound independence.
Tips for Writing a Strong Synopsis
1. Write in the Present Tense
Even if your story spans different time periods, your synopsis should always be in the present tense to create immediacy and engagement.
2. Introduce Only Key Characters
Avoid listing too many names. Instead, focus on the protagonist, antagonist, and essential supporting characters. Additionally, do not describe characters in detail. If a character’s trait is crucial to understanding the story, mention it briefly.
For example, in Alice in Wonderland, it might be relevant to note that Alice is highly imaginative, as this explains the surreal nature of her experiences. Optionally, you can include a character’s age in parentheses the first time their name appears to help situate them within the story: Alice (7).
3. Avoid Excessive Detail
Describe key moments but avoid over-explaining. Industry professionals don’t need every scene—just the core story beats.
4. Use Active Language
Make your synopsis feel dynamic by using strong, active verbs. Instead of “The hero is confronted by the villain,” write “The villain ambushes the hero.”
5. Follow Chronological Order
Even if your script plays with time, write your synopsis in chronological order to provide clarity.
6. Limit Dialogue
Avoid using dialogue unless absolutely necessary. If you include it, keep it brief and in quotation marks.
7. Maintain a Technical Approach
A synopsis is a technical document. While it should be well-written and engaging, it is not the place for literary flourishes or ambiguity. The synopsis should summarize the main aspects of the story in a way that allows the reader to grasp its structure, key moments, and emotional impact.
Exercises to Practice Writing a Synopsis
Exercise 1: Summarize a Movie in a Few Sentences
Choose a movie you love and write a short synopsis covering the main character, their goal, and the central conflict.
Exercise 2: Expand Your Logline into a Synopsis
If you already have a screenplay idea, start with a one-sentence logline and expand it into a full synopsis using the structure above.
Exercise 3: Swap and Review
Share your synopsis with a fellow writer. Give feedback on clarity, engagement, and structure.
The Two Types of Synopsis: Commercial vs. Technical
To better understand how to tailor a synopsis for different purposes, let’s examine two types using Casablanca as an example.
Commercial Synopsis (Short and Engaging)
A commercial synopsis is designed to attract interest, emphasizing drama and intrigue.
Casablanca is the story of Rick Blaine, an American expatriate who owns a nightclub in Morocco during World War II. When his former lover Ilsa walks into his bar with her husband, a resistance leader, Rick is torn between his personal feelings and a greater cause. As tensions rise, he must decide whether to help them escape or stay out of the conflict. His choice will determine not only their fates but also his redemption.
Technical Synopsis (Detailed and Informative)
A technical synopsis provides a more in-depth summary of the story, including key events and character arcs.
A synopsis is a technical document, meant to summarize the story clearly and without embellishments. It should allow the reader to understand the main structure and the impact of key events.
During World War II, Rick Blaine (43), a cynical American expatriate, runs a nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco. One night, Ugarte (38), a criminal in possession of valuable letters of transit, seeks refuge in Rick’s club but is arrested by Captain Renault (53), a corrupt Vichy official. Before being caught, Ugarte secretly entrusts the papers to Rick.
Soon after, Rick’s past catches up with him when Ilsa Lund (27), the woman who broke his heart in Paris, arrives with her husband, Victor Laszlo (34), a renowned resistance leader. They need the letters of transit to escape the Nazis. Initially, Rick refuses, still bitter over Ilsa’s betrayal. Meanwhile, Laszlo’s defiance angers the Nazis, leading to his arrest. Ilsa visits Rick alone, pleading for help. In a moment of desperation, she confesses she still loves him. Rick softens but remains undecided.
Rick devises a plan, deceiving Renault and arranging for Ilsa and Laszlo’s escape. At the airport, he forces Renault to let them go, choosing to sacrifice his happiness for a greater cause. As Ilsa and Laszlo leave, Rick and Renault walk into the fog, with Rick saying, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Final Thoughts
Writing a great synopsis takes practice, but once you master this skill, you’ll gain a powerful tool to refine your storytelling and make your ideas shine. A well-structured synopsis not only helps you articulate your vision clearly but also enhances your ability to engage readers, producers, and industry professionals. Think of it as the perfect pitch for your story—one that can spark excitement, build intrigue, and open doors to new opportunities. Keep practicing, refining, and experimenting, and soon, crafting a compelling synopsis will become second nature!