A synopsis is a concise version of a story (not a plot). Typically, the paragraphs are double-spaced, and the entire synopsis for a short film is no more than a paragraph. If your synopsis is longer than a paragraph or two, you’re simply including too much detail in it.
The first part of a synopsis should describe the setup — introduce the protagonist, that character’s objective, the antagonist, that character’s objective, and the inciting incident for the plot.
You should also convey some sense of the tone of the piece — that is, whether the script is funny or tragic, realistic or fantastic, etc. Sometimes, the style of writing in the synopsis will suggest the tone of the screenplay. When it doesn’t, you should come right out and state it.
The middle part of the synopsis should indicate the rising action in which you should deal the obstacle(s) your protagonist faces in pursuit of the super-objective and how he overcomes them.
In the last part of the synopsis, the writer should address the screenplay’s climax and resolution and the way in which they affect the characters generally and the protagonist in particular. Remember that a synopsis is a very brief description of a much larger, fuller work.
Your synopsis should end on a strong note, teasing the controlling idea of the script.
Adapted from Dan Gurskis, The Short Screenplay
