C h a p t e r 2 5
Feature Article
T
he feature article gives information of human interest. The label feature covers
a broad range of newspaper or magazine articles, either online or in print, that
include everything except straight news, editorials, and advertising. [For comparison,
see Chapter 30, News Article, and Editorial Letters in Chapter 26, Letters.] Generally,
feature articles attempt to involve the reader emotionally.
Because of its human-interest approach, the feature article allows the writer consid-
erable opportunity for creativity. While the subject of a feature may be related to a
news item, the article will not follow the pyramid structure of a straight news piece.
Rather, it is more likely to include conventions of fiction: plot, character, dialogue,
and symbolism. [See separate entries for each in the Glossary.] A feature is a creative
article that deals with real events, issues, and trends; but unlike straight news arti-
cles, it places emphasis on the people, places, or things involved rather than on the
facts of news.
cHaracteristics
A feature article generally
-^ evokes an emotional reaction: joy, sympathy, anger, frustration, contentment,
or some other emotion,
-^ gives depth and meaning to complicated issues or news items, thus clarifying
and interpreting events,
-^ follows the techniques of good creative writing,
-^ avoids the pyramid structure of a straight news story,
-^ follows an organization appropriate for the subject [see order in the Glossary],
-^ uses an introduction (or lead) that attracts readers,
-^ uses a tone and style appropriate to its subject,
-^ achieves success by being researched and brightly written.
Process
Use the following steps to develop a feature story.