Biography vs. Autobiography: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 4, 2023
A biography is an account of someone's life written by another person, while an autobiography is an individual's account of their own life.
Key Differences
A biography provides insight into an individual's life, detailing their experiences, achievements, and challenges from the perspective of an external author. An autobiography, on the other hand, is penned by the individual themselves, offering a firsthand account of their life's journey.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
In a biography, the subject might be anyone, from historical figures and celebrities to unsung heroes, with the narrative voice belonging to the biographer. In an autobiography, the subject and the narrator are the same, providing an introspective and personal recounting of life events.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Research is a key component of biography, where the biographer gathers information from various sources to present an accurate and comprehensive depiction. For an autobiography, the author draws from personal memories, feelings, and perspectives, creating a more intimate narrative.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Biographies can be authorized, with the subject's involvement, or unauthorized, conducted without the subject's permission. Autobiographies, by their nature, are personal testimonies, providing readers with an authentic look into the author's experiences and emotions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
While both biographies and autobiographies shed light on individual lives, their sources of information, perspectives, and authorship distinctly differentiate them.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Authorship
Written by someone other than the subject.
Written by the subject themselves.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Research Requirement
Requires extensive research.
Based on personal memories and experiences.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Authorization
Can be authorized or unauthorized.
Always authorized (personal account).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Intimacy
May lack personal emotions and introspection.
Contains intimate emotions and introspection.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
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Biography and Autobiography Definitions
Biography
A biography is a detailed account of another person's life.
She wrote an engaging biography about the renowned scientist.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Autobiography
An autobiography is a self-written account of one's life.
In her autobiography, she delved into her early years in the countryside.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Biography
A biography offers insights into an individual's experiences, achievements, and challenges.
The biography detailed his rise from poverty to success.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Autobiography
Autobiographies offer firsthand recounts of personal experiences.
His autobiography shed light on the struggles he faced.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Biography
Biographies can be based on extensive research and interviews.
The biography included testimonies from close family and friends.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
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Autobiography
An autobiography often contains intimate emotions and reflections.
The autobiography was filled with heartfelt confessions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Biography
A biography focuses on the life journey of its subject.
The biography spanned from his childhood to his final years.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Autobiography
An autobiography is penned from a first-person perspective.
In my autobiography, I share stories never told before, she mentioned.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Biography
A biography can be authorized or unauthorized.
The unauthorized biography caused quite a stir.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Autobiography
Autobiographies provide readers with an authentic look into the author's life.
Readers praised the honesty in his autobiography.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Biography
An account of a person's life written, composed, or produced by another
A film biography of Adlai Stevenson.
An oral biography.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 28, 2017
Biography
Biographies considered as a group, especially when regarded as a genre.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 28, 2017
Autobiography
(countable) A self-written biography; the story of one's own life.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 28, 2017
Biography
The writing, composition, or production of biographies
A career entirely devoted to biography.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 28, 2017
Autobiography
(uncountable) Biographies of this kind regarded as a literary genre.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 28, 2017
FAQs
Who typically writes a biography?
A biography is written by someone other than its subject.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Is research needed for writing a biography?
Yes, biographies often require extensive research and interviews.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
What is a biography?
A biography is an account of someone's life written by another person.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Is an autobiography always truthful?
While autobiographies are personal accounts, they can still be influenced by memory biases or selective recounting.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Are memoirs and autobiographies the same?
No. While both are personal accounts, memoirs focus on specific events or periods, whereas autobiographies usually cover a broader life span.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Which is more subjective, a biography or an autobiography?
Autobiographies are generally more subjective due to personal perspectives and emotions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Can biographies be fictionalized?
Yes. While traditional biographies aim to be factual, there are fictionalized biographies that blend fact with fiction.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Are autobiographies written posthumously?
Typically, no. However, unfinished manuscripts or diaries can be published posthumously as autobiographical content.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
How does an autobiography differ from a biography?
An autobiography is an individual's account of their own life.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
What perspective is an autobiography written from?
An autobiography is written from a first-person perspective.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Can a biography be written without the subject's permission?
Yes, biographies can be unauthorized, written without the subject's involvement.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can a person have both a biography and an autobiography?
Yes, someone can have a biography written about them and also write their own autobiography.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Who is the target audience for biographies and autobiographies?
Both genres target readers interested in personal stories, histories, and insights into individual lives.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Are biographies always factual?
While biographies aim to be factual, they can sometimes contain inaccuracies or biases.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Do autobiographies cover an individual's entire life?
Not always. Some autobiographies focus on specific periods or events in the author's life.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
How do readers benefit from biographies?
Readers gain insights into individuals' lives, learn from their experiences, and draw inspiration from biographies.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
What challenges do biographers face?
Biographers may face challenges like limited resources, biases, or the risk of misrepresenting the subject.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Are personal memories the main source for autobiographies?
Yes, autobiographies are primarily based on personal memories and experiences.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Which is more intimate, a biography or an autobiography?
Autobiographies tend to be more intimate due to the firsthand account and personal emotions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
Why do people write autobiographies?
Individuals write autobiographies to share their life stories, reflect on experiences, or leave a legacy.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
