Here's why:
* Chronological order: Biographies are typically structured chronologically, moving from the subject's birth to their death or present day. This inherently means the events being described are in the past.
* Objectivity: The past tense helps maintain an objective tone. It avoids present tense, which might imply the author's personal opinions or interpretations of ongoing events.
* Clarity and understanding: Past tense allows readers to easily understand that the events described have already occurred and are not ongoing. This makes the story more clear and engaging.
It's important to note that while the majority of a biography is written in past tense, there might be moments where the present tense is used:
* When describing the impact of the subject's life on the present: "His legacy continues to inspire artists today."
* When quoting the subject directly: "He once said, 'I believe everyone has the power to change the world.'"
However, these are usually brief instances within a larger narrative written in past tense.