How do you write a summary of a fictional text?

Answer 1

A summary tells important highlights.

When you think about a book you read, or movie you saw, you recognize that a lot happens that you sort of forget about because other events stand out more. A summary typically includes mostly what stands out-- not all the trivia that supports a story and leads up to an ending.

For example, imagine there is a riveting story About a Boy named Hyter. Some things about him and his story are:

• he is 14 years old
• he likes to stick out his tongue and makes faces
• he skips rocks, sits staring, wades in creeks, and is boring - half of the book describes him sittting and staring into space
• his class has 40 students and the author tells about 5 of the students, the other 35 are not mentioned; Hy has no friends
• 10 pages compare Hy to Setaph, another boy who is popular and 'normal'.
• Hy's father is dying and Hy's grandfather drinks
• Hy's mother is gone and Hy's grandmother has dementia
• Hy finds a dog. But the dog runs back to the dog's home. Hy wishes he had a dog.
• Hy's teacher notices that Hy is an artist. He uses materials he finds in nature to create beautiful artwork. His teacher encourages him. He enters an art fair and wins first place. He paints a squirrel using mud and that wins a State prize.
• Hy was never had high grades, but he won a scholarship to go to a HS for the Arts.
• When his dad died, his teacher and her husband took Hy in and encouraged him.

Now, there are details above that are not important. These do not belong in a summary, even if they make the story boring -- or interesting. For example, the other students likely have little importance in a summary; you could just say Hy had no friends. You could say people don't think Hy is "normal". Nor is he popular. The dog has a minor role and does not add to the story. Making faces, etc. can be skipped. The main focus is 1. his isolation 2 his losses of family and father's death 3. his lack of supports 4. his artwork 5. How his teacher recognizes his talents and helps him.

Answer 2

To write a summary of a fictional text, focus on the main plot points, key characters, and central themes. Start by introducing the setting and main characters, then outline the main events that drive the story forward. Finally, conclude with the resolution or main message of the text. Be sure to avoid spoilers and keep it concise.

Answer 3

The best way to summarize a story is to pull out it's main parts. You want to talk very briefly about characters as well.