1. Focus on a Specific Individual:
* The central subject is a single person, their life journey, and the impact they've had on themselves and the world.
* The writer aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the individual's experiences, choices, and motivations.
2. Chronological Structure (Generally):
* While not always linear, biographies often follow a chronological timeline, presenting events in the order they occurred.
* This helps readers understand the evolution of the subject's life, from birth to death.
3. Use of Primary and Secondary Sources:
* Primary sources: Diaries, letters, interviews, personal documents, etc., offer direct insights into the subject's thoughts and experiences.
* Secondary sources: Books, articles, historical records, etc., provide context and broader perspectives on the subject's life and times.
* The writer weaves these sources together to create a balanced and informed narrative.
4. Exploration of Significant Moments and Events:
* The biography highlights key events, accomplishments, challenges, and turning points in the subject's life.
* It delves into the significance of these events, explaining their impact on the subject's trajectory.
5. Examination of Relationships:
* Biographies often explore the relationships the subject had with family, friends, colleagues, and others.
* These relationships contribute to understanding the subject's personality, values, and motivations.
6. Analysis of the Subject's Character and Personality:
* Biographies strive to capture the subject's personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and complexities.
* They explore the subject's motivations, beliefs, and the choices they made throughout their lives.
7. Emphasis on Impact and Legacy:
* Biographies examine the subject's influence on society, culture, or a specific field.
* They explore how their work, actions, and thoughts continue to resonate today.
8. Objective and Balanced Tone:
* While biographies can be subjective, they strive to present a balanced and objective account of the subject's life.
* The writer aims to avoid excessive bias, offering a fair representation of the subject's strengths and weaknesses.
9. Engaging Narrative:
* A good biography engages readers by using vivid language, compelling storytelling techniques, and well-developed characters.
* It weaves together information and analysis in a way that captivates and informs.
10. Different Types of Biographies:
* Authorized biographies: Written with the subject's cooperation and approval.
* Unauthorized biographies: Written without the subject's consent.
* Autobiographies: Written by the subject themselves.
Understanding these features helps appreciate the depth and complexity of biographical writing. They allow writers to paint a rich and nuanced portrait of a life, offering readers insight into the past and reflections on the present.