Question
how to write a synopsis
Answers
GPT-5 mini
A synopsis is a short, clear summary of a story, book, film, thesis or research project that shows the main idea, structure, and outcome. How you write one depends on the purpose (pitching fiction vs. summarizing academic work), but the basic goals are the same: present the core conflict, the major plot beats or research aims, and the resolution — briefly and logically.
Quick guidelines
- Length: 1 paragraph (50–200 words) for a logline/short pitch; 1–2 pages (single-spaced) for a detailed submission synopsis; academic synopses often run 1–5 pages depending on rules. Check specific guidelines.
- Tense/voice: Fiction synopses: present tense, third person. Film synopses usually present tense too. Academic synopses: present tense for aims, past/conditional for methods/results as appropriate.
- Focus: Main characters, main conflict, inciting incident, major turning points, climax, resolution. For research: question, objectives, methods, contribution, expected outcomes.
- Be concrete and concise. Reveal the ending. Avoid scene-by-scene detail and flowery language.
Step-by-step for a fiction synopsis
1. Start with a hook (1–2 sentences): introduce protagonist, setting, and central conflict.
2. State the inciting incident: what changes the protagonist’s world?
3. Describe the key plot beats: what decisions and complications drive the plot? Include the midpoint twist if there is one.
4. Show the stakes and antagonist/conflict escalation.
5. Describe the climax and how the conflict is resolved.
6. End with the outcome and thematic payoff.
7. Edit ruthlessly: cut subplots, extraneous characters and scenes. Keep focus on the main through-line.
Template (fiction, short)
- Hook: [Protagonist + goal + obstacle].
- Inciting incident: [Event that starts the story].
- Middle: [Major complications & turning point].
- Climax: [How conflict comes to a head].
- Resolution: [Outcome & stakes/theme].
Example (fiction, ~130 words)
When tired small-town cop Maya Alvarez discovers a body with a strange symbol, she’s pulled into a secret society’s web. Determined to find justice for the victim, Maya teams with a skeptical forensics analyst and uncovers ties to the city’s powerful philanthropist. As each lead turns deadly and her own past ties to the philanthropist surface, Maya must choose between exposing the truth and protecting her family. After a tense confrontation in the philanthropist’s estate, Maya broadcasts the society’s crimes and the philanthropist is arrested, but her revelations cost her job and force her to start over—free from the city’s corruption and with a harsher view of justice. The book explores power, loyalty, and what one person will risk to do right.
Step-by-step for an academic/research synopsis
1. Title and brief background/context (1–2 sentences).
2. Research question(s) and objectives.
3. Short literature gap/justification: why this matters.
4. Methods/design and data sources.
5. Expected outcomes or hypotheses.
6. Timeline, resources, and bibliography (if required).
7. Word limit compliance—follow the institution’s format.
Template (academic)
- Title
- Background/rationale (1–2 para)
- Research question(s)/objectives
- Methods and data
- Expected contributions and timeline
- References (if required)
Example (academic, short)
Title: Urban Green Roofs and Microclimate Mitigation
This study examines whether green roofs reduce neighborhood-level surface temperatures in midsize temperate cities. While prior work shows building-level cooling, few studies test neighborhood-scale impacts. I will compare thermal imagery and in situ temperature sensors across matched neighborhoods in three cities, using difference-in-differences analysis to isolate the green-roof effect. Expected results: a measurable reduction in daytime surface temperatures and peak heat events, plus policy recommendations for urban planning. Timeline: data collection Year 1, analysis Year 2, write-up Year 3.
Do’s and don’ts
- Do: reveal the ending; use clear, active language; tailor length and detail to the recipient’s guidelines.
- Don’t: leave mysteries unresolved; include every subplot or minor character; use passive or vague wording; pad with irrelevant backstory.
If you tell me whether you need a fiction, film, or academic synopsis (and give a short outline of the story or research), I can draft one for you.
Quick guidelines
- Length: 1 paragraph (50–200 words) for a logline/short pitch; 1–2 pages (single-spaced) for a detailed submission synopsis; academic synopses often run 1–5 pages depending on rules. Check specific guidelines.
- Tense/voice: Fiction synopses: present tense, third person. Film synopses usually present tense too. Academic synopses: present tense for aims, past/conditional for methods/results as appropriate.
- Focus: Main characters, main conflict, inciting incident, major turning points, climax, resolution. For research: question, objectives, methods, contribution, expected outcomes.
- Be concrete and concise. Reveal the ending. Avoid scene-by-scene detail and flowery language.
Step-by-step for a fiction synopsis
1. Start with a hook (1–2 sentences): introduce protagonist, setting, and central conflict.
2. State the inciting incident: what changes the protagonist’s world?
3. Describe the key plot beats: what decisions and complications drive the plot? Include the midpoint twist if there is one.
4. Show the stakes and antagonist/conflict escalation.
5. Describe the climax and how the conflict is resolved.
6. End with the outcome and thematic payoff.
7. Edit ruthlessly: cut subplots, extraneous characters and scenes. Keep focus on the main through-line.
Template (fiction, short)
- Hook: [Protagonist + goal + obstacle].
- Inciting incident: [Event that starts the story].
- Middle: [Major complications & turning point].
- Climax: [How conflict comes to a head].
- Resolution: [Outcome & stakes/theme].
Example (fiction, ~130 words)
When tired small-town cop Maya Alvarez discovers a body with a strange symbol, she’s pulled into a secret society’s web. Determined to find justice for the victim, Maya teams with a skeptical forensics analyst and uncovers ties to the city’s powerful philanthropist. As each lead turns deadly and her own past ties to the philanthropist surface, Maya must choose between exposing the truth and protecting her family. After a tense confrontation in the philanthropist’s estate, Maya broadcasts the society’s crimes and the philanthropist is arrested, but her revelations cost her job and force her to start over—free from the city’s corruption and with a harsher view of justice. The book explores power, loyalty, and what one person will risk to do right.
Step-by-step for an academic/research synopsis
1. Title and brief background/context (1–2 sentences).
2. Research question(s) and objectives.
3. Short literature gap/justification: why this matters.
4. Methods/design and data sources.
5. Expected outcomes or hypotheses.
6. Timeline, resources, and bibliography (if required).
7. Word limit compliance—follow the institution’s format.
Template (academic)
- Title
- Background/rationale (1–2 para)
- Research question(s)/objectives
- Methods and data
- Expected contributions and timeline
- References (if required)
Example (academic, short)
Title: Urban Green Roofs and Microclimate Mitigation
This study examines whether green roofs reduce neighborhood-level surface temperatures in midsize temperate cities. While prior work shows building-level cooling, few studies test neighborhood-scale impacts. I will compare thermal imagery and in situ temperature sensors across matched neighborhoods in three cities, using difference-in-differences analysis to isolate the green-roof effect. Expected results: a measurable reduction in daytime surface temperatures and peak heat events, plus policy recommendations for urban planning. Timeline: data collection Year 1, analysis Year 2, write-up Year 3.
Do’s and don’ts
- Do: reveal the ending; use clear, active language; tailor length and detail to the recipient’s guidelines.
- Don’t: leave mysteries unresolved; include every subplot or minor character; use passive or vague wording; pad with irrelevant backstory.
If you tell me whether you need a fiction, film, or academic synopsis (and give a short outline of the story or research), I can draft one for you.