6. It may make effective use of suspense and suggestion.
7. It should have no inconsistency in the speech or the actions of the characters.
8. It should have an effective ending.
News, or the Newspaper “Story,” is another very important form of narrative. The newspaper is the great popular educator of the day, and in its columns are found not only excellent examples of vivid and telling narratives, but frequently excellent types of spontaneous writing.
News and news reporting require accuracy, clearness, brevity, and a style that either charms, or compels interest. Indeed, it too frequently happens that to secure the element of interest practically all else is sacrificed.
Reporting and news writing are best learned by careful study of the daily papers, and from constant practice. Shorthand is an invaluable [739] aid in securing the exact words of the speaker if the news takes the form of an interview, or report of a public address or meeting.
The relation of the “facts” and “story” may be illustrated in the following:
Report of exact words of the speaker:—
“I assure you, my friends, that I for my part, will do all I possibly can to resist this measure. You know that I have always been opposed to it; as recently as yesterday I spoke against it here in this very hall. Do you think that the people of this country will tolerate such injustice? I am sure they will not.”
How the newspaper report appeared:—