Profiles

Definition

Profiles are a type of feature story that focuses on the detailed exploration of a person, often highlighting their life, experiences, and impact on others. This storytelling format allows for in-depth character study and aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the individual's personality, motivations, and significance within a broader context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Profiles often include extensive research and interviews to capture the nuances of the person's life and achievements.
2. They can take various forms, such as celebrity profiles, profiles of ordinary individuals making a difference, or historical figures.
3. Effective profiles combine storytelling techniques with factual reporting to engage readers emotionally while providing insight.
4. The use of descriptive language is crucial in profiles to paint a vivid picture of the subject's personality and surroundings.
5. Profiles can serve various purposes, from humanizing complex issues to showcasing inspiring stories that resonate with audiences.

Review Questions

• How do profiles enhance our understanding of individuals in narrative journalism?
  • Profiles enhance our understanding by providing a detailed examination of an individual's life, experiences, and contributions. Through extensive research and interviews, profiles capture the nuances of a person's character and their impact on others. This format allows readers to connect emotionally with the subject and gain insight into their motivations and challenges.
• In what ways can the structure of a profile differ from traditional news reporting, and why is this significant?
  • The structure of a profile often diverges from traditional news reporting by focusing on storytelling elements rather than just presenting facts. While news articles prioritize concise information delivery, profiles employ narrative techniques like setting scenes, exploring emotions, and developing characters. This difference is significant because it allows for a deeper exploration of themes and personal experiences that resonate with readers beyond mere statistics.
• Evaluate how effective profiles can influence public perception or awareness about certain issues or individuals.
  • Effective profiles can significantly influence public perception by humanizing subjects and shedding light on their personal stories. By presenting an individual's journey or struggles, profiles can evoke empathy and understanding from readers. This emotional connection can lead to increased awareness about specific issues, prompting audiences to reflect on broader societal themes or advocate for change based on the insights gained from these narratives.

Related terms

Character Study: A narrative technique that examines the traits, motivations, and development of a character, often used in both fiction and non-fiction.

Feature Story: A longer piece of writing that explores an event, issue, or person in depth, emphasizing narrative and descriptive elements over hard news.

Narrative Arc: The structure of a story that outlines its progression, including the introduction, development, climax, and resolution.