Evidence of the defendant's character is not proper given the facts of the case. Only the witness' reputation for truthfulness is at issue here. Witnesses should be asked direct questions and may not be asked leading questions on direct examination. Direct questions are phrased to evoke a set of facts from the witnesses. While the purpose of direct examination is to get the witness to tell a story, the questions must ask for specific information.
Narrative questions are objectionable.
At times, a direct question may be appropriate, but the witness' answer may go beyond the facts for which the question was asked. Such answers are subject to objection on the grounds of narration. Counsel is leading the witness. Witness is being narrative. Direct examination may cover all the facts relevant to the case of which the witness has first-hand knowledge.