It is well to note another point also.  Although some manufacturers in preparing synopses of their stories for the trade journals write them in the past tense, it is always advisable to tell your story in the present tense.  In the scenario, you must follow this custom, and in the synopsis you should do so.

In adding bits of characterization to your synopsis, and particularly in pointing out the dramatic incidents of your plot, consider the value of suggestive words and phrases.  Not many words, but words that suggest pictures, call up whole scenes, tell entire stories, are needed.  And this is particularly true when you are writing to meet the “synopsis only” demand.  Don’t over-adjective your synopsis, but such qualifying words as you use should be vivid, clear and precise.  One specific word outweighs a score of general statements.  Consider the difference between “horse” and “broncho;” “house” and “bungalow;” “woman” and “sour spinster.”  Be definite.

A careful examination of any well-written synopsis will convince the novice that several rewritings are not too many to give to a synopsis before deciding that it is clear, concise, and interesting.  Each of these points is well worth considering carefully.  Interest, no one can teach you; conciseness may be attained only by cutting out needless words and studying how to express the utmost in terse language; and clearness is surely equally worthy of conscientious effort to master.  A first-class rhetoric, like Genung’s, or Hill’s, will be of great value in acquiring conciseness and clearness of style, as well as other good qualities of expression.  One point only is there time to dwell upon here:  the lack of clearness arising from the careless use of personal pronouns.  For example, compare the relative clearness in these two statements: 

“In a moment of excitement, Harley strikes Jim a heavy blow.  The whole thing dazes him, and he scarcely knows what to do.  After a few hours, he determines upon revenge and, after taking his brother into his confidence, warns him that he will shoot him on sight, etc.”

“In a moment of excitement, Harley strikes Jim a heavy blow.  The whole affair dazes Jim, and he scarcely knows what to do.  However, after a few hours, he determines upon revenge, and, after taking his brother Ted into his confidence, he warns Harley that he will shoot him on sight, etc.”

In the following 248-word synopsis, we have a model of clearness, conciseness, and interesting statement.  The same general form, applied to a longer synopsis, should satisfy any editor.  For the second, or short, synopsis, demanded by certain companies, one of about this length, and as carefully prepared, would undoubtedly be entirely acceptable.  Add to the conciseness and clearness of this Vitagraph synopsis the suggested inserts, leaders, etc., already described in connection with the synopses usually sent out by one of the present writers, and you have what comes pretty near to being the ideal form when the wishes of the editor, staff writer and director are all considered.  You will find other synopses in chapters V and XX.