Synopsis

A synopsis is a concise summary or overview of a longer work, such as a book, movie, play, or academic paper. It presents the essential elements of the subject matter, including the plot, characters, themes, and key arguments, but omits the details and supporting evidence found in the complete original. The goal of a synopsis is to provide a clear and rapid understanding of the whole without requiring the reader to engage with the entire source material. Synopses can be used for various purposes, including book reviews, movie trailers, grant proposals, and academic abstracts. They offer a quick grasp of the content to determine whether the full work warrants further attention or if it aligns with the reader's interests or needs. Effective synopses are accurate, objective, and well-structured.

Synopsis meaning with examples

• The film studio released a brief synopsis of the new action movie online to build anticipation. The synopsis highlighted the main characters, the core conflict, and some exciting action sequences. Fans immediately started discussing the plot online, generating buzz around the upcoming release, eagerly awaiting its theatrical debut and dissecting every detail presented in the concise summary.
• Before committing to a long novel, she always reads the synopsis on the back cover to decide if the story intrigues her. The synopsis reveals the basic premise, the central characters' motivations, and the overall tone, allowing her to quickly assess whether she wants to invest her time in reading the full book, which is far more time-consuming.
• The professor asked students to prepare a synopsis of their research paper for the conference. The synopsis needed to explain the paper's main research question, the methodology used, and the key findings in a clear and brief manner. This ensured the audience could understand the scope of the paper within a limited timeframe.
• A publishing house requested a synopsis from the aspiring author before considering her manuscript. This brief overview summarized the plot, outlined the characters, and highlighted the potential market appeal of the story. This helps to assess the marketability and the fit with the publishing house's portfolio.
• To understand the complex history of the company, the team created a synopsis that covered its formation to its present-day standing. The synopsis was a simplified overview of the major events, key achievements, and significant challenges over the years, providing context without the need for a detailed historical report.