Memoir vs Biography: What’s the Difference?

The three primary formats of a memory book, used to tell a life story, are a biography, an autobiography, and a memoir. Distinguishing between the three can feel a bit confusing since they all share several similarities. But there are some distinct differences.

Simply put:

• A biography is the life history of an individual, written by someone else.

• An autobiography is the story of a person’s life, written by that person.

• A memoir is a collection of memories written by the person themselves.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences between a memoir vs biography, along with a helpful comparison chart at the end.

What is a Biography?

A biography, also called a bio, is a non-fiction piece of work giving an objective account of a person’s life. The main difference between a biography vs. an autobiography is that the author of a biography is not the subject.

A biography could be written about someone still living or someone who lived years ago. It includes details of key events that shaped the subject’s life—such as their birthplace, education, work, and relationships.

How Biographies Are Written

Biographers use a variety of sources: interviews, letters, diaries, photographs, essays, reference books, and newspapers. While most biographies are written, they can also appear as documentaries, films, or even musical compositions.

If the subject is deceased, the storytelling requires extensive research. Interviews with historians, friends, or family members become essential. If the subject is still alive, the author can conduct direct interviews.

The Purpose of a Biography

The goal is to walk readers through the subject’s full life—childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, and beyond. A good biography illustrates how a person learned life’s lessons and interacted with the world. It should give the reader a strong sense of personality, values, and legacy.

Biographies can even focus on groups of people, such as historical movements or communities that shaped history. Fictional biographies exist too—mixing real characters with fictionalized events to enhance storytelling.

Examples of Famous Biographies

• His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis

• Einstein: The Life and Times by Ronald William Clark

• Princess Diana – A Biography of The Princess of Wales by Drew L. Crichton

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is the story of a person’s life—written by that person. Because the author and the subject are the same, autobiographies are typically written in the first person.

Although autobiographies are usually written directly by the subject, they can also be compiled by another person using the subject’s notes, interviews, or diary entries.

Structure and Style

Autobiographies often begin in early childhood and chronologically detail the author’s life. They include key milestones: birthplace, upbringing, education, personal challenges, achievements, and beliefs.

While autobiographies aim to present facts, they are naturally more subjective. Events are recalled from personal memory, which may introduce bias or personal interpretations.

Sometimes, autobiographies are compiled from journals or diaries. In those cases, authors must organize scattered entries into a cohesive, readable timeline.

The Personal Nature of Autobiographies

One key difference between autobiography vs. biography is that autobiographies reveal intimate thoughts and feelings. Since the author is telling their own story, the writing reflects their emotions and personal reflections—making the experience more personal and vulnerable.

Examples of Famous Autobiographies

• The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

• The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

• Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson

What is a Memoir?

The word memoir comes from the French mémoire, meaning memory or reminiscence. Like an autobiography, a memoir is a story written by the person who lived it—but there’s a subtle, meaningful difference.

Memoir vs Autobiography: The Key Difference

A memoir focuses on reflection and emotional connection, rather than simply listing life events. While autobiographies aim to present a full, chronological life story, memoirs zero in on specific themes, events, or chapters in a person’s life.

The purpose is to connect deeply with readers—offering introspection, insights, and vulnerability.

How Memoirs Are Written

Memoirs often stem from diary entries, letters, or memory recollections. The structure isn’t always chronological. Authors choose meaningful moments and stories, crafting a narrative around emotions, insights, and themes.

Memoirs might be written by the subject themselves, or by someone very close to them who has access to their diaries or personal insights. The writing process usually involves multiple interviews and deep personal exploration.

Memoir Topics and Types

Memoirs typically focus on a powerful period or unique journey. These include:

• Overcoming hardship or trauma

• Coming-of-age experiences

• Celebrity life and confessions

• Recounts of historical events from a personal view

While memoirs require less research than biographies, they demand introspection and a clear emotional arc.

Examples of Famous Memoirs

• Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

• Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant

Memoir vs Biography vs Autobiography: Comparison Chart

Here’s a helpful breakdown comparing the three:

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to memoir vs biography, the best format depends on the story you want to tell:

• If you want to present an objective, well-researched life story—choose a biography.

• If you’re telling your full life story, written by you—an autobiography fits best.

• If you want to focus on a powerful chapter or emotional journey—go with a memoir.

Each format has a purpose. Whether you're writing for family, readers, or yourself, choosing the right one can bring your life’s story to life in the most meaningful way.