Plotting & Outlining Investigative Stories
The Hidden Scenario
“The Hidden Scenario” goes beyond Story-Based Inquiry into our recent research on making and using timelines.
After turning an idea into a verifiable hypothesis, we show how to turn the hypothesis into a scenario, the scenario into a research database including potential sources, and the research into scenes.
“The Hidden Scenario: Plotting and Outlining Investigative Stories” shows how story-telling techniques can give structure and focus to investigative journalism. Part One sets out the basic principles of establishing a chronology. In Part Two, we move on to the construction of powerful scenes. In particular, we alert the reader to the kinds of dramatic details that must be collected, and why. Part Three shows how scenes lead to sources: people, documents and data that might be available to prove your hypothesis and enrich your narrative. Part Four helps you apply your scenario in the field as a research tool.
Sengers and Hunter have developed a method for organising investigative assignments that has proven practical worth. It saves time. It establishes priorities. It heightens the impact on readers and audiences. The Hidden Scenario is required reading for anyone who want their work to make a difference.