1. Biographies and Memoirs: These are the most straightforward answers. A biography is written by someone *about* the subject, using research and interviews. A memoir, while written by someone close to the subject (often a family member or friend), focuses on their personal experience and relationship with the person.
2. Fictional Accounts: A novel or short story can be about a real person, but the author takes creative liberties. These stories can be based on real events, but they are not strictly factual. They offer a unique perspective on the subject's life through the lens of the author's imagination.
3. Historical Records: Diaries, letters, official documents, and other historical sources can provide glimpses into a person's life, even if the person themselves never wrote about it. These records are not necessarily "stories" in the traditional sense, but they offer valuable insight into a person's experiences and perspectives.
4. Oral Histories: These are stories passed down through generations, often through spoken word or songs. They may be partially based on real events, but they are often embellished with folklore and legend.
5. "Lost" Works: Perhaps the subject themselves wrote their life story, but it was lost or destroyed. This hypothetical scenario is intriguing - what might we learn about a person from a life story they never intended to be published?
Examples:
* Biography: "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson
* Memoir: "My Life on the Road" by Gloria Steinem
* Fictional Account: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
* Historical Record: The journals of Anne Frank
* Oral History: The epic poem "The Epic of Gilgamesh"
Ultimately, the answer to your question depends on what you are looking for. Do you want a factual account, a personal interpretation, a fictionalized version, or something else entirely? The possibilities are endless!