Biography Genre

Characteristics of a Biography #1 A story about a real person (sometimes a fictional character)

Characteristics of a Biography # 2 The author knows a lot about the person The author must do extensive research

on the subject by conducting interviews, reading books, scripts, etc.

Characteristics of a Biography # 3 Describes the person’s environment Such as, where, when and how they

lived

Characteristics of a Biography# 4 Provides details that show the person in

action Such as, their accomplishments, goals,

behavior, ideas and influences.

Characteristics of a Biography # 5

Shows how the person affects other people such as:

New discoveries (science, medicine) New inventions Inspirational art (visual art, film, music) How the person has changed the world for the

better (or worse)

Characteristics of a Biography #6 States or implies how the writer feels

about the person Different authors will or may have a

different view point of the person The author’s point of view could be

positive or negative

Finding a Biography

The call number of a biography is indicated by a B Under the B are the first three letters of the

person’s last name that the book is about. For example,

Martin Luther KingB

KINYou can also try the internet.www.bibliographi.ca is a good place to find

biographies about historical figures in Canada

Different types of Biographies

Books Plays Songs Poems Biopics Documentary art

First Hand Biography Reveals another person though the

eyes of a writer who has had an ongoing, face-to-face, personal relationship with the person

Autobiography

The main character is the author For example, if you were to write a

biography about yourself, then that would be an autobiography

Autobiography Recounts key incidents/events in the

author’s life

Autobiography Describes major influences (people,

events, places) on the writer

A teacher Home

A teacherhome

A Speech

Autobiography Describes interactions between the

writer and significant people in his or her life

A teacher A pastor A father A mother

Visual and Oral FormsAutobiography Pictures and paintings that depict

events or people they are familiar with Photo albums or video tapes that record

important moments in their lives Skits and plays based on their life

stories

More Visual and Oral FormsAutobiography Informal anecdotes about their lives,

shared in conversations with friends and family

Tangible mementos and souvenirs, such as awards, seashells, or favorite childhood toys

Unauthorized Biography

Biography about a person that was not approved by the subject that the book is about

These are usually about celebrities. Risk of suit is great Purpose is the entertain

Biography Summative Pick a person to research. This person should be someone who has had a

significant impact, either on you or on the world Produce a multimedia presentation on this

person which you will present to the class. You may do this individually or in PAIRS. No

groups. Prepare to present the last week in January.