Profile

Definition

A profile is a detailed portrayal of an individual, highlighting their personality, experiences, and achievements. This type of storytelling often combines biographical elements with vivid descriptions to create an engaging narrative that captures the essence of the person being featured. Profiles are crucial in feature stories as they provide depth and context, making the subject relatable and compelling to the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Profiles often use a combination of quotes, anecdotes, and descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the subject's life and character.
2. They can focus on various types of individuals, including public figures, local heroes, or everyday people with interesting stories.
3. The writing style in profiles is typically more creative and less formal than traditional news reporting, allowing for more personal expression.
4. Effective profiles often reveal not just who the person is, but also how their experiences shape their perspectives and actions.
5. In creating a profile, journalists must balance storytelling with factual accuracy to ensure authenticity while still engaging the audience.

Review Questions

• How does a profile differ from other types of feature stories in terms of structure and content?
  • A profile stands out from other feature stories primarily due to its focus on an individual, weaving together biographical details with personal anecdotes. This creates a narrative that not only informs but also engages readers on an emotional level. While other features might explore broader themes or events, profiles dive deep into the life and experiences of one person, offering insights into their character and motivations.
• Discuss the importance of interviews in crafting a compelling profile and how they contribute to the narrative.
  • Interviews are essential in crafting a compelling profile because they provide firsthand insights into the subject’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through direct quotes and personal stories gathered during interviews, writers can create a more dynamic and authentic portrayal. This allows readers to connect with the subject on a deeper level, as their voice comes through clearly in the narrative.
• Evaluate the impact of storytelling techniques used in profiles on audience engagement and perception.
  • Storytelling techniques such as vivid descriptions, emotional anecdotes, and narrative arcs significantly enhance audience engagement by creating a relatable and immersive experience. When profiles employ these techniques effectively, they draw readers into the subject's world, fostering empathy and connection. This approach not only enriches the portrayal of the individual but also shapes how audiences perceive their journey and contributions to society.

Related terms

Character sketch: A concise and focused description of a person that emphasizes their most striking traits and characteristics.

Interview: A conversation where information is gathered from a person, often used as a primary source for profiles to understand their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Narrative arc: The structure of a story that outlines the progression of events, which is essential for creating a captivating profile that maintains reader interest.