Feature story

Definition

A feature story is a detailed, narrative-driven piece of journalism that goes beyond just reporting the facts, often focusing on human interest, emotions, and context. Unlike hard news, feature stories allow for creative storytelling, often incorporating quotes, anecdotes, and vivid descriptions to engage readers. This style provides depth and insight into a subject, whether it be a profile on an individual, an exploration of a community issue, or coverage of an event like a sports game.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feature stories often utilize a more descriptive and narrative style than traditional news articles, allowing for creativity in writing.
2. They can cover a wide range of topics including profiles, trends, how-to pieces, and issues affecting the community.
3. The structure of feature stories is typically more flexible than hard news articles, often incorporating various storytelling techniques.
4. Feature stories may include in-depth interviews and quotes that add personal perspectives and emotional weight.
5. They are typically longer than hard news articles and may require more time for research and writing to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Review Questions

• How does the narrative structure of a feature story differ from that of a hard news article?
  • Feature stories often follow a narrative structure that allows for storytelling techniques such as character development, scene-setting, and thematic exploration. In contrast to hard news articles which usually adhere to the inverted pyramid structure prioritizing the most important facts upfront, feature stories can open with an engaging anecdote or vivid description. This flexibility enables writers to delve deeper into context and emotions, making the story more engaging for readers.
• Discuss the importance of human interest in feature stories and how it influences reader engagement.
  • Human interest is crucial in feature stories as it connects readers to the subject on an emotional level. By focusing on individual experiences or community impacts, writers can evoke empathy and curiosity. This approach not only enhances reader engagement but also encourages deeper understanding and reflection on broader societal issues. Incorporating personal narratives makes the content relatable and memorable, drawing readers into the story.
• Evaluate how feature stories can complement hard news reporting in journalistic practices.
  • Feature stories complement hard news reporting by providing depth and context that raw facts alone cannot convey. While hard news informs readers about immediate events, feature stories explore the underlying causes and implications of those events. This dual approach enriches journalism by offering varied perspectives; while one delivers timely information, the other fosters understanding of human experiences and societal issues. Together, they create a fuller picture of news coverage that appeals to both rationality and emotion.

Related terms

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a story that captures the main idea and engages the reader's attention.

Nut Graf: A paragraph that summarizes the essence of a story, explaining why it matters and what the reader can expect.

Human Interest: A storytelling element that emphasizes the emotional aspects of a story, focusing on people and their experiences.