Biography vs. Obituary — What's the Difference?

Biographies are comprehensive accounts that delve into the life, experiences, challenges, and achievements of an individual. They are meticulously researched and often written with the intent of providing insights into the person’s character, impact on the world, and the contributions they made to their field or society at large. Obituaries, on the other hand, serve as notices of death, intended to inform the public and commemorate the deceased's life in a concise manner. Typically published in newspapers and online platforms, obituaries summarize the person's major life events, their relationships with family and friends, and their significant contributions.

Biographies can be authored with or without the subject's consent or involvement and are published in various formats, including books, articles, and documentaries. Unlike biographies, obituaries are timely pieces, often written shortly after a person's death, and focus more on celebrating the individual's life and legacy than on providing a detailed account of their life story.

While biographies are extensive and cover the breadth of an individual’s life, including their personal and professional journey, obituaries are much shorter, focusing on key aspects of the person’s life, their death, and surviving family members. Biographies aim to tell a story, providing a deep dive into a person's life, whereas obituaries aim to pay tribute and provide essential information surrounding a person's passing.

The audience for a biography and an obituary can also differ significantly. Biographies are often aimed at readers with an interest in the subject’s life and work, potentially reaching a broad audience over time. Obituaries, meanwhile, are targeted at the immediate community of the deceased, including friends, family, and acquaintances, serving as an announcement and an invitation to mourn and remember the individual.

In terms of tone, biographies can range from critical and analytical to celebratory, depending on the author’s perspective and the subject matter. Obituaries, however, generally maintain a respectful and commemorative tone, focusing on honoring the deceased's life and achievements.