I. Content and Research:
* Thorough Research: Extensive research into the subject's life, drawing from multiple sources: primary documents (letters, diaries, etc.), interviews, archival materials, and secondary sources.
* Accuracy: Fact-checking is paramount. The biography should be grounded in truth, avoiding sensationalism or unfounded claims.
* Completeness: Covers the subject's life in its entirety, including both highs and lows, triumphs and failures.
* Clarity and Focus: A clear narrative thread that guides the reader through the subject's life, highlighting key events and their significance.
* Context: Provides historical and cultural context, explaining the subject's choices and actions within the context of their time.
* Unique Insights: Offers fresh perspectives or previously unknown information about the subject.
* Analysis: Goes beyond simply recounting facts, analyzing the subject's motivations, personality, and impact on the world.
II. Structure and Organization:
* Logical Organization: A clear structure that makes sense to the reader. This might be chronological, thematic, or a combination of both.
* Engaging Introduction: Captures the reader's attention and sets the stage for the story to unfold.
* Compelling Chapters/Sections: Each section has a clear focus and purpose, seamlessly transitioning to the next.
* Strong Conclusion: Provides a satisfying ending that leaves the reader with a lasting impression of the subject.
III. Writing Style and Tone:
* Clear and Concise Prose: Avoids jargon and complex sentence structures.
* Engaging and Vivid Language: Uses descriptive language to bring the subject and their world to life.
* Objective Tone: While the author may have opinions, they avoid injecting personal biases into the narrative.
* Respectful and Fair: Presents the subject with both their strengths and weaknesses in an unbiased manner.
* Emotional Depth: While maintaining objectivity, the biography should convey the subject's emotions and experiences in a way that resonates with the reader.
IV. Additional Features:
* Footnotes/Endnotes: Provide detailed source information for all facts and quotes.
* Bibliography: Lists all resources consulted in compiling the biography.
* Index: Makes it easy for readers to find specific information within the text.
* Visuals: Images, photographs, or illustrations can enhance the narrative and provide visual context.
Remember: This is just a checklist, not a rigid formula. A good biography will adapt these features to the specific needs and story of the subject.