Synopsis - what is it? Synopsis - examples. Synopsis - how to write

Synopsis - what is it and where is it applied? How does it differ from the annotation? Why do editors want to send them a synopsis? How to make it correctly? If you are just trying to start writing books or scripts, it will be helpful for you to understand these subtleties. But even if you are very far from the intention to become a literary worker, critic or observer, this article will be cognitive for you and will expand your horizons a little more.

A short excursion into the history of the concept

As in the overwhelming majority of other spheres of science, the concept of "synopsis" in our lives is due to the ancient Greeks. These guys were very fond of meeting and for hours discussing various new theories. On the foundation laid by them lies the lion's share of modern science. But even more reflections of the ancient Greek thinkers have sunk into oblivion.

And although lengthy speeches and discussions in the squares were one of the favorite entertainments of Greek intellectuals, they did not always have the patience to thoroughly and thoroughly acquaint themselves with each assumption. That's how the synopsis appeared. What did this mean before?

The speaker outlined the main idea of his theory or work in the most concise form. All the detailed argumentation was omitted. No long reasoning was given. In fact, this meant cutting off all unnecessary, removing the "water" and giving only the pure grain of its work to the listeners.

At the same time, each of those present had to get a clear idea of the speaker's main idea and the logical chain that led him to this. The scientist, who knows how to act like that, was called the "weatherman."

Who needs the synopsis of the book

First of all, the editors demand the presentation of the idea of a work in the form of a synopsis. Why? Yes, because the alleged publisher simply does not have enough physical time to reread all the "masterpieces" sent to them. A synopsis in a concise form gives a complete picture of the work.

What is the difference between a synopsis and an annotation

First of all, the addressee. And already from this logically there is a difference in content. Abstract is needed for a potential buyer. So, you need to interest him and even intrigue. The editor also needs a clear idea of what will happen in the work and how.

If you tell the reader before reading the book, how it will end, it can discourage any desire to start reading. And the editor should know about the ending, and about significant turns of the story line.

Synopsis of the script

Even the script of a full-length film in good synopsis will be reduced to an incomplete page of printed text. Here is one of the successful examples.

Time is in 1945. The scene of action is the snow-covered expanses of the tundra within the northern front line.

Two shot down pilots - Finn and Russian - were on a deserted land. To survive, these representatives of the warring armies must help each other. This is not an easy path, not only through the expanses of an inhospitable region, but also a way to understand that in front of you is not just a faceless enemy that needs to be destroyed, but a person who gradually becomes a faithful companion.

They have the last cartridge for the two of them, which they preserve so that when they go out to the people, the one who is destined to be in captivity could commit suicide.

As they approach the human habitation, they see signs that one or another nation has settled here. And, accordingly, they pass the gun to each other.

But when, finally, they meet the first living person, who turns out to be a local shepherd boy, he tells them that the war is over.

Men hug each other and cry. "

What is better not to do when writing a synopsis

It is understandable the desire to provide the potential publisher with the most complete information about his work. However, this is one of the most dangerous traps. Going too far with information, you can spoil the impression that a synopsis will produce. How to write all briefly, but capaciously?

Own names

In the earliest mistakes, mention can be made by the name of secondary characters. In fact, in a good synopsis without a personal name, even the main character can comfortably exist. He and is designated - "the main hero".

But if you really can not do without names, do not use more than five characters. Studies show that the reader begins to get confused if there are more of them.

Just remember yourself. How much time passes until you begin to easily navigate the characters of the next series? In their names and in who is who? Remember, when you write a synopsis, that this is the time that you do not have. Therefore, reduce the number of mentioned names to an absolute minimum.

View details

These are details that do not affect the course of the plot in a fundamental way. For example, the main character enters the restaurant to have a cup of coffee with a colleague. Is it necessary to add this to the synopsis of a film or a novel? Maybe. But only in the event that the waiter working there tried to poison the protagonist with this very cup of coffee, and this action served as a turning point in the plot. Otherwise, a description of where and why the main character is sent, becomes completely unnecessary detail. In the synopsis, it will suffice to note that he meets a colleague.

Characteristics of the character

Do not try to squeeze into the text all the facets of the character of your character, which, no doubt, has a rich inner world. This will only complicate the perception for the editor. Limit its basic quality. However, if, as the story develops, the timid main heroine suddenly starts violently defending its rights, it is worth mentioning.

Secondary lines of the plot

Undoubtedly, in addition to the storyline, there will be additional ones in your work. They can periodically intertwine with the main motive and even influence the course of its development. However, all of them must be severely cut off. There is no place for a minor in the synopsis.

Time of action

Another important point to keep in mind is that all events in the synopsis take place in the present tense. Here and now. It would be wrong to write a synopsis of the series to write that in the 238 episode the main character played the heroine, forcing her to believe that he threw the wedding ring into the sea. It's better to write: "The main character wants to teach a whimsical bride. He throws a box with an engagement ring into the ocean. The heroine jumps overboard to save him. At this point, the protagonist pulls the ring out of his pocket. "

Ending

Disclosure of all secrets must necessarily be included in the synopsis. What does this mean? It is necessary to voice the name of the murderer in the detective story, the way of committing a crime in a thriller or whether the lovers will stay together in melodrama. It is inadmissible to flirt with the editor by type: "And you will learn about this after reading my book completely." Believe me, he will not read.

What should the editor learn after reading?

There are fundamental questions to which the editor is simply obliged to receive answers by reading a synopsis. Examples of them:

• What is this book about?
• Who is the main character (or protagonists)?
• What is the ultimate goal of the protagonist?
• Why this purpose?
• What prevents him from achieving his goal?

If you managed to compose a description within two pages of a typewritten text that gives clear answers to the above questions, is not overloaded with details and at the same time is not devoid of some artistic liveliness, then it is likely that you have managed to compile a good synopsis.

And do not get upset, if not everything will turn out quickly and smoothly from the first time. Some experienced authors admit that they have to work more than once to compile a competent synopsis. And some even claimed that it took them no less time than writing the novel itself.

A good exercise for acquiring true mastery in writing a synopsis of a work can be its compilation in triplicate. In the first you have to put the whole description in one paragraph. In the second - to focus on the paragraph for each part of the work (plot, several plot nodes, crisis, the culmination of events and the denouement). And already in the third make the final version, which can be sent to the court editor.

A wonderful help to you will serve people who will agree to read your creation. Listen to their assessment. If something is not clear - change. A view from the outside never fails.

Do not spare the time to perfect your skills, and you can achieve new heights!