What is a "summary"?

A summary serves as a brief overview that captures the essential ideas and main points of a text without including unnecessary details or lengthy explanations. This concise restatement allows readers to grasp the overall message or themes presented in the original work, making it easier to recall and discuss the material.

In contrast, the other choices represent different literary components that do not align with the definition of a summary. For example, a detailed description of character development focuses specifically on how characters evolve throughout a narrative, an introduction to the plot provides context before delving into the story, and a list of characters simply enumerates those involved in the narrative without synthesizing their roles or the story's main ideas. Thus, the correct choice captures the essence of what a summary is intended to convey.