A biography is a written story of a real person. Whether it is someone famous, world-changing or an unsung hero, a biography will describe that person’s life and highlight the most important events.
Most biographies are nonfiction, but there is a genre of fictional biography called biographical fiction. Documentaries are another popular form of biography that use historical records to create a narrative.
Definition
The word biography, often shortened to “bio,” is a written account of a real person’s life. It presents an in-depth look at an individual’s education, career, relationships, and death. A bio is different from a profile or curriculum vitae because it adds the dimension of an intimate understanding of the person’s experiences.
Biographies can be written about a living or dead person and can include a wide range of topics, from famous people to unknown heroes. They are typically chronological in nature and focus on significant events in the subject’s life, highlighting key moments of discovery or transformation.
The biographer’s job is to present the facts of a person’s life in a way that is both interesting and informative. They do this by incorporating a narrative structure that includes an introduction, conflict, rising tension, climax and resolution. The biographer also adds his or her own opinions about the subjects’ life to make the biography more engaging.
Biographies can be written about a single person or a group of individuals, such as a specific type of animal or artist. Collective biographies can provide a deeper understanding of the larger themes, such as evolution or change, within a particular culture. For example, a series of biographies about influential artists of the folk music movement could help to illuminate the development of American popular culture.
Purpose
A biography is a written account of an individual’s life. It can be about a public figure, someone who is well-known or a family member. The goal of the biographer is to present their subject in a positive light. The author should be able to provide an overview of the individual’s life and highlight key moments that made them who they are. This can include significant events, relationships and failures that shaped the person.
The writer of a biography often has to research their subject in order to present a full and accurate picture. This can involve reading legal documents, diary entries and letters. If their subject is still living, they may be interviewed. The writer also needs to consider the audience for their biography when deciding what information to include.
For example, a biography of a famous person may need to be more detailed than one about a family member. It is also important to ensure that the biography is accurate and does not contain any false information.
As a form of literature, biographies can also offer a broader perspective on the world in which their subjects lived. By using a third-person narrative approach, the writer can examine underlying themes and motivations that their subjects may have overlooked. This was particularly true during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when writers like James Boswell were able to use their subject’s journals and papers to interpret their character.
Format
A well-structured biography follows an engaging story arc that keeps readers interested. It also highlights the person’s unique qualities, achievements, and impact on society. Using vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and quotes adds interest to the writing.
The first step in writing a biography is to gather research. Start by reading books and articles on your subject. You can also watch documentaries and visit significant places associated with their life. If possible, interview your subject or people who knew them well. Personal interviews offer anecdotes and insights not available in other sources. Organize your research into an outline to guide the development of the biography. Make sure to back up your notes and reread them often. This way, you can avoid losing important information due to technical problems or accidents.
Once you have a draft, revise it for structure and coherence. You can also make big-picture edits to ensure that all major arcs and themes are included. Once you’re done with these revisions, it’s time to do smaller line edits for grammar and style. Share your draft with friends and colleagues for feedback.
It’s essential to choose a subject that is both interesting and relevant to your audience. You should also be able to sustain interest throughout the research, writing, and editing process. If you’re writing a biography of a public figure, be prepared for legal action if you show them in a negative light or reveal private details.
Examples
A well-written professional bio can be a great way to showcase your business, brand, or personal expertise while building trust with potential clients. While it can be difficult to know what information to include, the key is to tell a story that engages and inspires. Whether it’s for your website, LinkedIn profile, or speaker one sheet, a strong professional biography can help you stand out from the competition and build lasting impressions.
A biography can range in length from a few sentences to a book-length account of a person’s life. The shorter biographies tend to focus on the most important details that distinguish the individual from others whereas the longer ones typically cover a person’s entire life.
Some of the most famous biographies are the result of thorough research and compelling storytelling. For example, Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs biography is based on more than 40 interviews with the co-founder and CEO of Apple. The book not only gives readers a glimpse into the creative genius of Jobs but also provides inspiring lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators.
Another popular form of biography is the documentary film. Documentaries often use archival footage, recreations, and interviews to bring a historical figure or subject to life on screen. Examples of notable documentaries include Grey Gardens, a documentary about Jacqueline Kennedy’s once-wealthy cousins who lived in squalor at their condemned Hamptons home; and I Am Not Your Negro, a biographical film about James Baldwin.
