Biography vs. Autobiography — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
A biography is an account of someone's life written by someone else, while an autobiography is a person's account of their own life. Biographies are external perspectives; autobiographies are self-narrated.
Difference Between Biography and Autobiography
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A biography is a detailed account of an individual's life, capturing various aspects like achievements, struggles, relationships, and experiences. This narrative is authored by someone other than the individual being discussed. It offers readers an external perspective on the person's life, often involving extensive research, interviews, and the use of various sources to paint a comprehensive picture.
In contrast, an autobiography is penned by the individual whose life is being recounted. This self-narrated journey delves deep into the person's feelings, introspections, memories, and personal interpretations. The authenticity of an autobiography stems from its firsthand experience, providing a subjective view of events and timelines.
When considering the purpose and tone, a biography may aim to be more objective, striving to present a balanced perspective of the subject's life. Research and sources are critical for its authenticity. Autobiographies, however, thrive on the personal touch, allowing the writer to highlight specific moments, emotions, or experiences they deem significant.
The voice in which these narratives are written also sets them apart. In a biography, the third person perspective is dominant, with the subject being referred to by name or pronouns. An autobiography predominantly uses the first person, giving readers a direct line to the author's thoughts and emotions.
Comparison Chart
Authorship
Written by someone other than the subject
Written by the subject themselves
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Perspective
External perspective
Self-narrated perspective
Reliability of Source
Relies on research, interviews, and multiple sources
Based on personal memories and experiences
Narrative Voice
Third person
First person
Primary Objective
To present a balanced and comprehensive view of an individual's life
To share personal experiences, introspections, and interpretations of life events
Compare with Definitions
Biography
A written account of another person's life.
She wrote a comprehensive biography about the renowned scientist.
Autobiography
Written in the first person, detailing personal experiences.
In his autobiography, he shared anecdotes from his childhood.
Biography
An external narration capturing achievements and struggles.
His biography highlighted his journey from poverty to success.
Autobiography
Provides direct insight into the author's thoughts.
The politician's autobiography shed light on his motivations and beliefs.
Biography
Requires research, interviews, and validation.
The biography included insights from close friends and associates.
Autobiography
A self-narrated account of an individual's life.
Her autobiography provided a deep dive into her personal struggles and victories.
Biography
Presents a balanced perspective of the subject's life.
The biography did justice to both his triumphs and controversies.
Autobiography
Offers a subjective interpretation of life events.
The actress's autobiography focused on her perspective of Hollywood.
Biography
A biography, or simply bio, is a detailed description of a person's life. It involves more than just the basic facts like education, work, relationships, and death; it portrays a person's experience of these life events.
Autobiography
An autobiography (from the Greek, αὐτός-autos self + βίος-bios life + γράφειν-graphein to write; also informally called an autobio) is a self-written account of one's life. The word "autobiography" was first used deprecatingly by William Taylor in 1797 in the English periodical The Monthly Review, when he suggested the word as a hybrid, but condemned it as "pedantic".
Biography
An account of a person's life written, composed, or produced by another
A film biography of Adlai Stevenson.
An oral biography.
Autobiography
The biography of a person written by that person.
Biography
Biographies considered as a group, especially when regarded as a genre.
Autobiography
(countable) A self-written biography; the story of one's own life.
Biography
The writing, composition, or production of biographies
A career entirely devoted to biography.
Autobiography
(uncountable) Biographies of this kind regarded as a literary genre.
Biography
A person's life story, especially one published.
There are many biographies of Benjamin Franklin.
Autobiography
A biography written by the subject of it; memoirs of one's life written by one's self.
Biography
The art of writing this kind of story.
Autobiography
A biography of yourself
Biography
(transitive) To write a biography of.
Autobiography
Relies on personal memories, introspections, and emotions.
The singer's autobiography was filled with raw emotions and revelations.
Biography
The written history of a person's life.
Biography
Biographical writings in general.
Biography
An account of the series of events making up a person's life
Biography
Typically maintains an objective tone.
The biography was praised for its unbiased portrayal.
Common Curiosities
Can a biography be unauthorized?
Yes, biographies can be unauthorized if written without the subject's consent or involvement.
Is an autobiography always true?
An autobiography is based on the author's memories and perceptions, so it's their truth, but it may contain subjective interpretations.
Do all celebrities write autobiographies?
No, not all celebrities write autobiographies, but many choose to share their stories.
Which is typically longer, a biography or an autobiography?
The length varies for both, depending on the depth of content and details included.
Who usually writes a biography?
A biographer or an author who has researched the subject's life writes a biography.
Can a person have multiple biographies?
Yes, multiple authors can write different biographies about the same person.
Can biographies be fictionalized?
Some biographies may include fictionalized elements for narrative purposes, but they're then not strictly factual accounts.
Are memoirs the same as autobiographies?
Not exactly; while both are personal accounts, memoirs focus on specific events or periods, while autobiographies cover an individual's entire life.
Is it common for autobiographies to be ghostwritten?
Yes, some autobiographies are ghostwritten, where the subject provides the content but another writer pens it down.
How do biographers ensure accuracy in their content?
Biographers conduct extensive research, interviews, and validate facts through multiple sources.
Are children's lives often the subject of biographies?
While less common, some biographies focus on influential or unique childhoods.
Which offers a more intimate perspective, a biography or an autobiography?
An autobiography typically offers a more intimate perspective since it's a first-person account of one's life.
Can an autobiography be written posthumously?
Not traditionally, but posthumous autobiographies might be compiled from an individual's writings, journals, or recordings.
Why do people write autobiographies?
To share personal stories, reflect on their journey, and provide insights into their experiences.
How do autobiographies impact the subject's reputation?
Autobiographies can shape perceptions, either positively or negatively, based on the revelations and narrative presented.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
