Feature Story

A feature story is to a journalist, what a profile is to a creative writer.  A feature story focuses on a single person, and a particular aspect about his or her life.  Although most features stories utilize quotes not only from the main person, but also people he or she has a relationship with.  It's a good idea to select a few people.  Outside sources will shape the story better and give a greater amount of depth.  A story may be about one person, but other people are always affected.  A friend or family member's comment can help the audience connect to the main person better.  Information from a written source can also help enhance a story.  For example, if I was writing a story about someone who was struck by lightening.  It would be helpful to tell the some facts about how often lightening strikes, and how many people are struck each year.  This would give individuality and lend a more interesting story to the person.  Feature stories are great because it gives the writer a greater opportunity to get to know the person in greater depth.