Concepts
The synopsis in film
A synopsis is the complete account of a film in a few sentences, with a beginning, middle and end — including how it resolves.
Telling the synopsis means answering “what is it about?” so the whole story is clear — not just the hook. Unlike a trailer or teaser, a synopsis does not hide the ending: it includes it, because its job is to summarize the entire work, its central conflict and its resolution.
A good synopsis identifies the protagonist, the problem they face and how that problem closes. If your summary leaves out the ending or the conflict, it is not yet a synopsis: it is just promotional intrigue.
Example
The Lion King: a young prince flees believing he caused his father’s death, grows up far from the kingdom, and finally returns to defeat his uncle and reclaim his place.
How to spot it
If your summary doesn’t say how it ends or what the central problem is, it isn’t a synopsis yet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a synopsis and a plot summary?
A synopsis briefly summarizes the whole story, ending included; a plot summary develops it in more detail, scene by scene.
Does a synopsis reveal the ending?
Yes. Unlike a trailer, a synopsis includes the resolution because its goal is to summarize the complete work.