The Profile (short story)

A "profile" in the context of a short story typically refers to a character sketch or a detailed description of a specific character, focusing on their personality, background, motivations, and significant traits. It aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the character's role and significance within the narrative.

The term "profile" can also refer to the story's focus on a particular individual or group, presenting a nuanced portrayal of their experiences and perspectives. In this sense, the entire short story might function as a profile of a certain type of person, a specific community, or a unique situation.

Key elements of a character profile within a short story often include:

• Physical appearance: Brief descriptions of notable physical characteristics.
• Personality traits: Key aspects of the character's temperament, behavior, and moral compass.
• Backstory: Details about the character's past, including significant events and relationships that have shaped them.
• Motivations: The character's goals, desires, and reasons for their actions.
• Relationships: Interactions and connections with other characters in the story, highlighting their impact on the character's development.
• Internal conflicts: The character's struggles, doubts, and dilemmas.

The use of a "profile" allows the author to efficiently convey crucial information about a character, setting the stage for their actions and reactions throughout the story. It helps to create depth and realism, allowing readers to connect with and understand the character on a deeper level. The short story may explicitly state it is a profile, or the narrative might implicitly function as a profile through its structure and focus.