genrenonfictionbiography

Genrenonfictionbiography is a term used in literary criticism to describe a hybrid form in which the life of a real person is presented through narrative strategies traditionally associated with genre fiction and with non-fiction storytelling, while retaining a foundation of verifiable biographical material. It does not refer to outright fiction about a real person; rather, it blends documented facts with dramatized scenes, reconstructed conversations, and stylistic devices that illuminate themes and contexts.

Proponents argue that such methods can make complex biographies more accessible and convey the lived experience of individuals more vividly. Critics warn that blending fiction with non-fiction risks confounding readers about what is known and what is imagined, and they emphasize strict sourcing and clear labeling of invented material. Typical features include selective reconstruction of scenes based on evidence, thematic framing around genres or life stages, non-linear or fragmented chronology, and a creative narrative voice that may vary by subject.

The genre overlaps with creative nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, and biographical novels, but it is distinct in its explicit aim to describe a real person's life using genre-inspired narrative strategies rather than producing a traditional documentary account. In practice, publications may include extensive footnotes, source notes, or disclaimers to separate fact from interpretation. Genrenonfictionbiography remains a debated and niche category within contemporary literary theory, illustrating ongoing conversations about genre boundaries, ethics, and the accessibility of biographical storytelling. See also: Creative nonfiction, Narrative nonfiction, Biographical novel, Historical biography.