Use a word processor to write your outline. In this way, you'll be able to edit, save and print the outline as needed for writing and submission to editors, directors, producers and/or publishers.
Write a character description for every character in your play, television program or film starting with the main character. Outline each character's key personality traits such as likes, dislikes, habits, desires, inner conflicts, language, education, career, secrets, family history, motivations, relationship to other characters, etc.
Analyze the themes in your script and identify how the themes will manifest in every scene. Describe moral messages within the script. Identify focuses you want the script to have in terms of themes and morals. Describe how you will develop the themes and moral messages effectively.
Develop a plot with an opening, rising action, a climax, falling action and an ending. Write a description of your plot scene by scene. If you are writing a play, write as few scene changes as possible, relying on character's dialogue and conflict to develop ideas and themes fully. Avoid long speeches and monologues.
Outline the conditions of each setting for each scene. List all relevant information in as much detail as possible such as describing the weather, the items in the room and why they are there, the paint on the walls and who painted them, etc.
Experiment with dialogue between characters within each scene and setting. If the dialogue is working, then save it as a sample to send to editors, directors, producers and publishers or to refer to and use as you are writing. If the dialogue is not working, does not have sufficient chemistry and conflict, then rework the other elements of your outline, starting with the characters.
Write a list of possible considerations and complications that need to be researched and resolved. Include a list of resources that you will use to help you as you write. This is called a list of credits that can be formally referenced once your work is complete. This list is for your own use and not for others.
Edit your outline thoroughly so that everything is consistent and clear. Make sure that grammar and spelling are correct if you are sending it away to be reviewed.