Historical Fiction:
* Focus: Imaginative story set in the past, using historical events and settings as a backdrop.
* Factual information: Uses historical events, people, and settings as inspiration, but may take liberties with details to create a compelling narrative.
* Characters: Often fictional characters, but they may interact with real historical figures.
* Goal: To tell a story, entertain, and explore themes relevant to the chosen historical period.
* Examples: "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell, "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah, "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak.
Biography:
* Focus: Non-fiction account of a real person's life, emphasizing factual accuracy.
* Factual information: Primarily relies on documented evidence, primary sources, and historical research.
* Characters: Focuses on the subject of the biography, who is a real person.
* Goal: To inform, provide insights into a person's life, and present an accurate portrayal of their experiences.
* Examples: "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot, "Becoming" by Michelle Obama.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Historical Fiction | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Imaginative story | Non-fiction account |
| Factual information | Uses historical events as inspiration, may take liberties | Primarily relies on documented evidence |
| Characters | Often fictional characters, may interact with real figures | Focuses on the subject of the biography, a real person |
| Goal | To tell a story, entertain, explore themes | To inform, provide insights, present an accurate portrayal |
In essence, historical fiction uses history as a canvas for storytelling, while biography uses history to illuminate the life of a real person.