A work of fiction that draws heavily on the life of a real person but takes creative liberties with the facts and events, often to enhance the story or explore a particular theme.
Here's why this definition is accurate:
* It acknowledges the real person as the foundation: The work is rooted in the life of a real individual, but it's not a straightforward factual account.
* It emphasizes the creative liberties: The author is not bound by strict adherence to historical accuracy. They can invent scenes, conversations, and even alter events to serve the narrative purpose.
* It highlights the storytelling aspect: The primary focus is on creating a compelling and engaging story, even if it deviates from reality.
It's important to distinguish a fictionalized biography from:
* A biography: A factual account of a person's life.
* A historical novel: A fictionalized story set in the past, often featuring real historical figures but not centered on their lives.
Examples of fictionalized biographies include:
* "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A fictional account of a glamorous Hollywood actress's life and career.
* "The King's Speech" by David Seidler: A fictionalized account of King George VI's struggle with stammering.
These examples show how fictionalized biographies can explore themes of identity, love, ambition, and social change, while still being rooted in the lives of real people.