Some of the writing characteristics that determine that a biography is an autobiography include:
- The use of personal pronouns: In an autobiography, the author will use the pronouns "I" and "me" to tell their own story. In a biography, the author will use the pronouns "he," "she," and "they" to refer to the subject of the book.
- The amount of detail: In an autobiography, the author can include as much or as little detail about their life as they wish. In a biography, the author must be more selective about what information they include, as they must consider the interests of their readers.
- The author's perspective: In an autobiography, the author can share their own thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the events in their life. In a biography, the author must be more objective and present the facts of the subject's life without bias.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether a book is a biography or an autobiography is to read the introduction or dust jacket, as this information should be clearly stated.