Profile

Definition

A profile is a detailed description of a person, organization, or event that aims to provide insight into their character, background, and significance. This narrative form goes beyond just basic facts, often incorporating anecdotes and personal experiences to create a more engaging and relatable story. Profiles serve to humanize their subjects and are commonly found in feature articles, highlighting unique qualities and experiences that resonate with readers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Profiles often include direct quotes from the subject to give voice to their thoughts and feelings, making the narrative more personal.
2. The structure of a profile can vary but usually includes an engaging lead, detailed body paragraphs that explore the subject’s life or achievements, and a reflective conclusion.
3. Profiles can be written about a wide range of subjects, including artists, athletes, community leaders, or even everyday people who have compelling stories.
4. Effective profiles not only inform readers about the subject but also evoke emotions and encourage empathy by showcasing their human side.
5. In soft news and feature writing, profiles play a critical role in connecting readers to the broader themes of society, culture, and human experience.

Review Questions

• How does a profile differ from traditional news reporting in terms of content and approach?
  • A profile differs from traditional news reporting by focusing on the personal aspects of its subject rather than just factual information. While traditional news emphasizes objective reporting of events, profiles provide insights into the character, motivations, and experiences of individuals. This narrative approach aims to engage readers on an emotional level and create a more relatable connection to the subject.
• In what ways can a well-crafted profile enhance the reader's understanding of societal issues or cultural themes?
  • A well-crafted profile can enhance the reader's understanding of societal issues or cultural themes by placing individual stories within a larger context. By showcasing the personal experiences and struggles of the subject, profiles illustrate how broader trends affect real lives. This storytelling technique fosters empathy and encourages readers to think critically about the challenges faced by various communities or groups.
• Evaluate the impact that using quotes and personal anecdotes has on the effectiveness of a profile in feature writing.
  • Using quotes and personal anecdotes significantly enhances the effectiveness of a profile by adding authenticity and depth to the narrative. Quotes give voice to the subject's thoughts and feelings, making them more relatable to readers. Personal anecdotes help illustrate key points in a vivid manner, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the subject's experiences. This combination creates a richer storytelling experience that draws readers in and leaves a lasting impression.

Related terms

Character Sketch: A character sketch is a brief portrayal of a person's key traits, often used in writing to summarize their personality or background.

Feature Article: A feature article is a comprehensive story that goes beyond hard news reporting, providing in-depth analysis and storytelling about a particular subject.

Narrative Journalism: Narrative journalism blends storytelling techniques with journalistic research to create compelling narratives that inform and engage readers.