Challenges of Completeness:
* Scope of Information: "Complete" can be subjective. How much detail about someone's childhood, relationships, work, and private life is enough?
* Availability of Sources: Not all information about a person's life is readily accessible. Some records may be lost, private, or difficult to obtain.
* The Life Itself: Some lives are long and complex, making it nearly impossible to cover every aspect.
* Ever-Evolving Narrative: Even a "complete" biography at one point in time could become outdated as new information emerges.
Instead of a Definition, Consider These Qualities:
* Comprehensive Coverage: A complete biography attempts to cover a broad range of the subject's life, including major events, achievements, relationships, and influences.
* Thorough Research: The author utilizes a wide range of sources, including primary documents, interviews, and archival materials, to build a detailed and accurate account.
* Balanced Perspective: A complete biography aims to present a balanced view of the subject, acknowledging both their strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures.
* Engaging Narrative: While thorough, a good biography should be engaging and compelling, drawing readers into the life of the subject.
In Essence: A "complete" biography is a goal to strive for, not a guarantee. It's about providing as comprehensive and accurate an account as possible, given the available information and resources.