Feature story
A feature is more than just news: it unpacks a topic from a deeper angle, reveals complexities, challenges assumptions and draws readers into a rich narrative. Great features blend thorough research, storytelling and strong structure to engage and captivate readers from start to finish.
Unlike hard news, which delivers facts at breakneck speed, a good featured story lingers. That’s why it’s critical to focus on your audience and understand what effect you want the piece to have. It’s also important to think through your headline and lead so that they capture attention, spark curiosity and pique interest.
A profile or personality feature takes an objective look at a person by examining their life, background and connections to the subject matter. It often contains more personal elements than a hard news article, such as anecdotes and sensory details.
An adventure or participatory feature examines an individual’s experiences in the context of a particular place or situation. It should include verified facts about the subject, and can be told in first-person or third-person voice.
Feature stories often require more extensive research than a hard news story. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure your research is complete before you begin writing. This includes analyzing data, finding experts and talking to other people who know your subject well. Make sure to interview at least five people who represent a variety of perspectives. This will give you a better understanding of the range of opinions on your subject and help you craft a more compelling narrative.