How to Summarize Stories Using the SWBST Method

Understanding the SWBST Method

• 💡 The SWBST method is a useful tool for summarizing stories, standing for Someone, Wanted, But, So, Then.
• 🎯 It helps identify the main character(s), their desires, the obstacles they face, their actions, and the outcomes.

Applying SWBST to a Story

• 📖 A story about a gnome named Arabella is used to demonstrate the method.
• 🧅 Arabella wanted to live alone and eat onions, but her life was disrupted by an onion blight.
• ⚔️ She journeyed to the danger lands to confront Lord Nasty, who was causing the blight.
• 🐛 Arabella defeated Lord Nasty by turning him into a bug, which ended the onion blight.

Writing the Summary

• ✅ After identifying the SWBST elements, the information should be written out in complete sentences.
• 📝 For Arabella's story, the summary is: Arabella wanted to be left alone and eat onions, but the onion blight came. So, she journeyed to the danger to stop Lord Nasty, who had caused the blight. She defeated him and returned home.
• 🚀 The SWBST method can be used to summarize any story effectively.