 | Outline/structure:
Perhaps the writer has created enough of an outline to focus the writer's
thinking. From it, the writer can clearly state in a few words what the
profile is about, and can identify such elements as impact, complication,
resolution, motivation, and transformation ... and where they will fall in the
story. From this outline comes the thesis. |
| Focus: The
writer has found a profile subject who exhibits a dominant
characteristic or pattern of behavior that may be central to the subject's
conflict, motivation, or impact. That ``defining'' characteristic, behavior,
or trait is used to carry the reader through the profile. It is echoed
throughout. |
| Context/perspective:
Is it clear how my subject is different than other subjects who may be
similarly situated? Is it clear also how my subject is the same as others
similarly situated? Have I captured my subject against a backdrop or
environment that is appropriate and relevant to the meaning of this story?
|
| Impact: The
writer finds a profile subject having a significant effect or influence on an
individual, a group or a community. The writer includes enough
context/perspective to show why that impact is significant. The writer shows
(not tells) the reader this impact and helps the reader understand how others
are affected. |
|
Complication/Resolution: The central character faces a problem or obstacle
basic to most humans and it's particularly significant for this particular
character. The writer lays out the complication and traces what steps the
character takes to resolve the problem. |
| Action: The
writer's focus is on what the character does, how the character acts, not
necessarily on what the character says, or on what the character thinks. The
writer shows the reader an event and how the character responds to the event.
Through this action, the writer can show his character's motivation and
emotions ... and can evoke emotion from the reader. The writer is constantly
assessing this action against this question: what does it mean? |
| Motivation: The
writer explores why the subject acts, feels, or thinks as he/she does. Who or
what is an influence? What physiological or psychological need is the subject
looking to meet? What is at work that satisfies the subject ... and why? Looks
at: what does he/she value? The writer asks and answers: how will I portray
how my subject understands himself/herself. |
|
Change/transformation/insight: The writer is sensitive to those
flashpoints just before or just after the character resolves a conflict ...
flashpoints that suggest some growth, some learning, some change, some new
insight on the part of the character. |
| Timing: There is
a reason the subject is profiled at a specific point in time. Perhaps the
writer has caught the subject at some watershed in his/her life. Or the
subject is at a crossroads in their personal or professional life and is
facing a difficult choice or decision. Or there is some significant conflict
or tension the subject is struggling to resolve. |
|
Authenticity/Accessibility: The writer's behind-the-scenes access allows
the profile subject to be caught in everyday situations and relationships with
others that reveal much about the subject's defining character, impact and/or
motivation. This same access provides the writer with a wider range of sources
as they interact with the subject. Anecdotes/vignettes/dialogue provide the
reader with an unfettered view of the subject's action, thoughts, feelings,
vulnerabilities. |
| Foreshadowing:
The writer is sensitive to planting key information, clues and concepts at the
beginning of the piece ... elements that are relevant to the character's
behavior/motivation/complication ... which the writer will return to later in
the piece. |
| Forecast: The
profile not only looks back but peers into the future. The writer explores
what lies ahead for the subject, what possibilities exist. |