Wikipedia:How to write a plot summary: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:08, 6 January 2025

Revision as of 12:32, 6 January 2025

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{{Shortcut|WP:PLOTCITE}}

{{Further|WP:PLOTSOURCE}}

Citations about theA plot summary itself,is however,usually maybased refer toon the primary source—the work of fiction itself. ForIn examplethat case, primary source citations are appropriateonly needed when including notable quotes from the work, citing the act/chapter/page/verse/etc. ofA theplot quotesummary withincan thebe work.based Foron consolidated articles discussing a workother published orplot broadcast in a serial formsummaries, abut citation to the individual issue or episode is appropriate and should be included to help readers to verify the summary. Plot summaries written purely from other summariesthis riskrisks excessive loss of context and detail. While consulting other summaries may be helpful in narrowing down on what the major plot elements are, be sure to consult the primary source material to make sure you get it right.

Citations about the work of fiction generally (that is, cites addressing the commentary, impact or other real-world relevance of the work) are [[Wikipedia:No original research#Primary, secondary and tertiary sources|secondary sources]] no different from citations of non-fictional topics. All interpretation, synthesis or analysis of the plot must be based upon some secondary source.

Citations about the plot summary itself, however, may refer to the primary source—the work of fiction itself. For example, primary source citations are appropriate when including notable quotes from the work, citing the act/chapter/page/verse/etc. of the quote within the work. For consolidated articles discussing a work published or broadcast in a serial form, a citation to the individual issue or episode is appropriate and should be included to help readers to verify the summary. Plot summaries written purely from other summaries risk excessive loss of context and detail. While consulting other summaries may be helpful in narrowing down on what the major plot elements are, be sure to consult the primary source material to make sure you get it right.

==Case study: Little Red Riding Hood==