autobiography prologue examples

How To Write an Autobiography 2024 (Tips, Templates, & Guide)

Your life story has value, merit, and significance. You want to share it with the world, but maybe you don’t know how .

Here’s how to write an autobiography:

Write an autobiography by creating a list of the most important moments, people, and places in your life. Gather photos, videos, letters, and notes about these experiences. Then, use an outline, templates, sentence starters, and questions to help you write your autobiography .

In this article, you are going to learn the fastest method for writing your autobiography.

We are going to cover everything you need to know with examples and a free, downloadable, done-for-you template.

What Is an Autobiography?

Table of Contents

Before you can write an autobiography, you must first know the definition.

An autobiography is the story of your life, written by you. It covers the full span of your life (at least, up until now), hitting on the most significant moments, people and events.

When you write your autobiography, you write an intimate account of your life.

What Should I Include In an Autobiography?

If you are scratching your head, baffled about what to include in your autobiography, you are not alone.

After all, a big part of how to write an autobiography is knowing what to put in and what to leave out of your life story. Do you focus on every detail?

Every person? Won’t your autobiography be too long?

A good way to think about how to write an autobiography is to use the Movie Trailer Method.

What do movie trailers include?

• High emotional moments
• The big events
• The most important characters

When you plan, organize, and write your autobiography, keep the Movie Trailer Method in mind. You can even watch a bunch of free movie trailers on YouTube for examples of how to write an autobiography using the Movie Trailer Method.

When wondering what to include in your autobiography, focus on what would make the cut for a movie trailer of your life:

• Most important people (like family, friends, mentors, coaches, etc.)
• Significant events (like your origin story, vacations, graduations, life turning points, life lessons)
• Emotional moments (When you were homeless, when you battled a life-threatening condition, or when you fell in love)
• Drama or suspense (Did you make it into Harvard? Did your first surgery go well? Did your baby survive?)

Autobiography Structure Secrets

Like any compelling story, a well-structured autobiography often follows a pattern that creates a logical flow and captures readers’ attention.

Traditionally, autobiographies begin with early memories, detailing the writer’s childhood, family background, and the events or people that shaped their formative years.

From here, the narrative typically progresses chronologically, covering major life events like schooling, friendships, challenges, achievements, career milestones, and personal relationships.

It’s essential to weave these events with introspective insights.

This allows readers to understand not just the what, but also the why behind the author’s choices and experiences.

Towards the end, an effective autobiography often includes reflections on lessons learned, changes in perspective over time, and the wisdom acquired along life’s journey.

Example of the Structure:

• Introduction: A gripping event or anecdote that gives readers a hint of what to expect. It could be a pivotal moment or challenge that defines the essence of the story.
• Childhood and Early Memories: Recounting family dynamics, birthplace, cultural background, and memorable incidents from early years.
• Adolescence and Discovering Identity: Experiences during teenage years, challenges faced, friendships formed, and personal evolutions.
• Pursuits and Passions: Describing education, early career choices, or any particular hobby or skill that played a significant role in the author’s life.
• Major Life Events and Challenges: Chronicles of marriage, parenthood, career shifts, or any significant setbacks and how they were overcome.
• Achievements and Milestones: Celebrating major accomplishments and recounting the journey to achieving them.
• Reflections and Wisdom: Sharing life lessons, changes in beliefs or values over time, and offering insights gained from lived experiences.
• Conclusion: Summarizing the journey, contemplating on the present state, and sharing hopes or aspirations for the future.

How To Write an Autobiography Quickly: Strategies & Templates

Want the quickest way to organize and write your autobiography in record time? You can literally write your autobiography in 7 days or less with this method.

The secret is to use done-for-you templates.

I have personally designed and collected a series of templates to take you from a blank page to a fully complete Autobiography. I call this the How to Write an Autobiography Blueprint.

And it’s completely free to download right from this article. 🙂

In the How to Write an Autobiography Blueprint, you get:

• The Autobiography Questions Template
• The Autobiography Brainstorm Templates
• The Autobiography Outline Template

Here is an image of it so that you know exactly what you get when you download it:

How To Write an Autobiography: Step-by-Step

When you sit down to write an autobiography, it’s helpful to have a step-by-step blueprint to follow.

You already have the done-for-you templates that you can use to organize and write an autobiography faster than ever before. Now here’s a complete step-by-step guide on how to maximize your template.

• Brainstorm Ideas
• Order your sections (from medium to high interest)
• Order the ideas in each section (from medium to high interest)
• Write three questions to answer in each section
• Choose a starter sentence
• Complete a title template
• Write each section of your by completing the starter sentence and answering all three questions

Brainstorm Your Autobiography

The first step in writing your autobiography is to brainstorm.

Give yourself time and space to write down the most significant people, events, lessons, and experiences in your life. The templates in the How to Write an Autobiography Blueprint provide sections for you to write down your brainstormed ideas.

This will help you organize your ideas into what will become the major sections of your book.

These will be:

• Y our most significant events and experiences.
• The people who impacted you the most.
• The challenges you have overcome.
• Your achievements and successes.
• The lessons you have learned.

The “other” sections on the second page of the Brainstorm template is for creating your own sections or to give you more space for the sections I provided in case you run out of space.

As I brainstorm, I find asking myself specific questions really activates my imagination.

So I have compiled a list of compelling questions to help you get ideas down on paper or on your screen.

Order Your Sections (From Medium to High Interest)

The next step is to order your main sections.

The main sections are the five (or more) sections from your Brainstorm templates (Significant events, significant people, life lessons, challenges, successes, other, etc). This order will become the outline and chapters for your book.

How do you decide what comes first, second or third?

I recommend placing the sections in order of interest. Ask yourself, “What’s the most fascinating part of my life?”

If it’s a person, then write the name of that section (Significant People) on the last line in the How to Write an Autobiography Outline Template. If it’s an experience, place the name of that section (Significant Events) on the last line.

For example, if you met the Pope, you might want to end with that nugget from your life. If you spent three weeks lost at sea and survived on a desert island by spearfishing, that is your ending point.

Then complete the Outline by placing the remaining sections in order of interest. You can work your way backward from high interest to medium interest.

If you are wondering why I say “medium to high interest” instead of “low to high interest” it is because there should be no “low interest” parts of your autobiography.

But wait, what if you met the Pope AND spent three weeks lost at sea? How do you choose which one comes first or last?

First of all, I want to read this book! Second, when in doubt, default to chronological order. Whatever event happened first, start there.

Here is an example of how it might look:

Order The Ideas in Each Section (From Medium To High Interest)

Now, organize the ideas inside of each section. Again, order the ideas from medium to high interest).

Within your “Significant People” section, decide who you want to talk about first, second, third, etc. You can organize by chronological order (who you met first) but I recommend building to the most interesting or most significant person.

This creates a more compelling read.

Keep in mind that the most significant person might not be the most well-known, most famous, or most popular. The most significant person might be your family member, friend, partner, or child.

It comes down to who shaped your life the most.

So, if your “significant people list” includes your dad, a famous social media influencer, and Mike Tyson, your dad might come last because he had the biggest significance in your life.

Write Three Questions to Answer in Each Section

Ok, you’ve done the heavy lifting already. You have the major sections organized and outlined.

Next on your autobiography to-do list is to choose and write down three questions you are going to answer in each section. You can write your questions down in the provided “boxes” for each section on the template outline (or on another piece of paper.

This is easier than it might seem.

Simply choose one of the sample autobiography questions below or create your own:

• Why did I choose this person/event?
• What does this person/event mean to me?
• How did I meet this person?
• Where did it happen?
• When did it happen?
• Why did it happen?
• How did it happen?
• What is the most interesting part?
• How did I feel about this person or event?
• How do I feel now?
• Why does this person or event matters to me?
• How did this person or event change my life?
• What is the most challenging part?
• How did I fail?
• How did I succeed?
• What did I learn?

Questions are the perfect way to write quickly and clearly. I LOVE writing to questions. It’s how I write these blog posts and articles.

Choose a Starter Sentence

Sometimes the hardest part of any project is knowing how to start.

Even though we know we can always go back and edit our beginnings, so many of us become paralyzed with indecision at the starting gate.

That’s why I provided sample starter sentences in your How to Write an Autobiography Blueprint.

Here are the story starters:

• I began writing this book when…
• Of all the experiences in my life, this one was the most…
• I’ve been a…
• My name is…
• Growing up in…
• It wasn’t even a…
• It all started when…
• I first…
• I was born…

Keep in mind that you do not need to begin your book with one of these story starters. I provide them simply to get you going.

The key is to not get bogged down in this, or any, part of writing your autobiography. Get organized and then get writing.

Complete a Title Template

At the top of the How to Write an Autobiography Outline is a place for you to write your book title.

Some authors struggle forever with a title. And that’s ok. What’s not ok is getting stuck. What’s not ok is if coming up with your title prevents you from finishing your book.

So, I provided a few title templates to help juice your creativity.

Just like the story starters, you do not need to use these title templates, but you certainly can. All you need to do is fill in the title templates below and then write your favorite one (for now) at the top of your outline. Presto! You have your working title.

You can always go back and change it later.

How to Write an Autobiography Title templates:

• [Your Name]: [Phrase or Tag Line]
• The [Your Last Name] Files
• Born [Activity]: A [Career]’s Life
• The Perfect [Noun]: The Remarkable Life of [Your Name]

Examples using the Templates:

• Christopher Kokoski: Blog Until You Drop
• The Kokoski Files
• Born Writing: A Blogger’s Life
• The Perfect Freelancer: The Remarkable Life of Christopher Kokoski

Write Your Autobiography

You have your outline. You have your title, templates, and sentence starters. All that is left to do is write your autobiography.

However, you can use tools like Jasper AI and a few other cool tricks to craft the most riveting book possible.

This is the easy way to remarkable writing.

Check out this short video that goes over the basics of how to write an autobiography:

How To Write an Autobiography (All the Best Tips)

Now that you are poised and ready to dash out your first draft, keep the following pro tips in mind:

• Be vulnerable. The best autobiographies share flaws, faults, foibles, and faux pas. Let readers in on the real you.
• Skip the boring parts. There is no need to detail every meal, car ride, or a gripping trip to the grocery store. Unless you ran into the Russian Mafia near the vegetables or the grocery store is perched on the side of a mountain above the jungles of Brazil.
• Keep your autobiography character-driven . This is the story of YOU!
• Be kind to others (or don’t). When writing about others in your story, keep in mind that there may be fallout or backlash from your book.
• Consider a theme: Many autobiographies are organized by theme. A perfect example is Becoming . Each section of the book includes “becoming” in the title. Themes connect and elevate each part of the autobiography.
• Write your story in vignettes (or scenes). Each vignette is a mini-story with a beginning, middle, and end. Each vignette builds. Each vignette should be described in rich sensory language that shows the reader the experience instead of telling the reader about the experience. Each vignette is immersive, immediate, and intimate.
• Include snippets of dialogue. Use quotation marks just like in fiction. Show the dialogue in brief back-and-forth tennis matches of conversation. Remember to leave the boring parts out!
• Choose a consistent tone. Some autobiographies are funny like Bossy Pants by Tina Fey. Others are serious such as Open by Andre Agassi. Your story (like most stories) will likely include a mix of emotions but choose an overall tone and stick with it.
• Don’t chronicle, captivate . Always think about how to make each section, each chapter, each page, each paragraph, and each sentence more compelling. You want to tell the truth, but HOW you tell the truth is up to you. Create suspense, conflict, and mystery. Let drama linger until it becomes uncomfortable. Don’t solve problems quickly or take away tension right away.

How Do I Format an Autobiography?

Most autobiographies are written in the first person (using the pronouns I, me, we, and us).

Your autobiography is written about you so write as yourself instead of pretending to be writing about someone else.

Most autobiographies are also written in chronological order, from birth right up to your current age, with all the boring parts left out. That doesn’t mean you can’t play around with the timeline.

Sometimes it’s more interesting to start at a high moment, backtrack to the beginning and show how you got to that high moment.

Whatever format you choose, be intentional, and make the choice based on making the most compelling experience possible for your readers.

How Long Should an Autobiography Be?

There are no rules to how long an autobiography should be but a rough guideline is to aim for between 200 and 400 pages.

This will keep your book in line with what most readers expect for books in general, and will help get your book traditionally published or help with marketing your self-published book.

How To Write a Short Autobiography

You write a short autobiography the same way that you write a long autobiography.

You simply leave more out of the story.

You cut everything down to the bones. Or you choose a slice of your life as you do in a memoir. This often means limiting the people in your book, reducing the events and experiences, and shrinking your story to a few pivotal moments in your life.

How To Start an Autobiography

The truth is that you can start your autobiography in any number of ways.

Here are four common ways to begin an autobiography.

• Start at the beginning (of your life, career or relationship, etc.)
• Start at a high moment of drama or interest.
• Start at the end of the story and work backward
• Start with why you wrote the book.

Good Autobiography Titles

If you are still stuck on titling your autobiography, consider going to Amazon to browse published works. You can even just Google “autobiographies.”

When you read the titles of 10, 20, or 50 other autobiographies, you will start to see patterns or get ideas for your own titles. (HINT: the title templates in the Autobiography Blueprint were reverse-engineered from popular published books.

Also, check out the titles of the full autobiography examples below that I have included right here in this article.

Types of Autobiographies

There are several different kinds of autobiographies.

Each one requires a similar but slightly nuanced approach to write effectively. The lessons in this article will serve as a great starting point.

Autobiography Types:

• Autobiography for School
• Autobiography Novel
• Autobiography for a Job
• Short Autobiography
• Autobiography for Kids

Therefore, there is actually not just one way to write an autobiography.

Memoir vs. Autobiography: Are They The Same?

It’s common to feel confused about a memoir and an autobiography. I used to think they were the same thing.

But, nope, they’re not.

They are pretty similar, which is the reason for all the confusion. A memoir is the story of one part of your life. An autobiography is the story of your full life (up until now).

What Is the Difference Between an Autobiography and a Biography?

An autobiography is when you write about your own life. A biography, on the other hand, is when you write the story of someone else’s life.

So, if I write a book about the life of the President, that’s a biography.

If the President writes a story about his or her own life, that’s an autobiography.

What Not To Include In an Autobiography

Autobiographies are meant to be a snapshot of our lives that we can share with others, but there are some things that are best left out.

Here are three things you should avoid including in your autobiography:

1) Anything That Readers Will Skip

Your life may not be filled with non-stop excitement, but that doesn’t mean you need to include every mundane detail in your autobiography.

Stick to the highlights and leave out the low points.

2) Character Attacks on Others

It’s okay to discuss conflicts you’ve had with others, but don’t use your autobiography as a platform to attack someone’s character.

Keep it civil and focus on your own experiences and how they’ve affected you.

3) Skipping Highlights

Just because something embarrassing or painful happened to you doesn’t mean you should gloss over it in your autobiography.

These are the moments that shape us and make us who we are today, so don’t skip past them just because they’re uncomfortable.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your autobiography is interesting, honest, and engaging.

How To Write an Autobiography: Autobiography Examples

I have always found examples to be extremely instructive. Especially complete examples of finished products. In this case, books.

Below you will find examples of published autobiographies for adults and for kids. These examples will guide you, motivate you and inspire you to complete your own life story.

They are listed here as examples, not as endorsements, although I think they are all very good.

The point is that you don’t have to agree with anything written in the books to learn from them.

Autobiography Examples for Adults

• A Promised Land (Autobiography of Barack Obama)
• If You Ask Me: (And of Course You Won’t) (Betty White)
• It’s a Long Story: My Life (Willie Nelson)
• Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography (Rob Lowe)
• Becoming (Michelle Obama)

Autobiography Examples for Kids

• This Kid Can Fly: It’s About Ability (NOT Disability) (Aaron Philips)
• Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid (Mikaila Ulmer)

Final Thoughts: How To Write An Autobiography

Thank you for reading my article on How to Write an Autobiography.

Now that you know all of the secrets to write your book, you may want to get it published, market it, and continue to upskill yourself as an author.

In that case, read these posts next:

• Can Anyone Write A Book And Get It Published?
• The Best Writing Books For Beginners 2022 (My 10 Favorites)
• Why Do Writers Hate Adverbs? (The Final Answer)
• How To Write a Manifesto: 20 Ultimate Game-Changing Tips

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Home / Book Writing / What is a Prologue & How to Write One

What is a Prologue & How to Write One

Sometimes the beginning of a book can be confusing. Some books may have an introduction, a foreword, acknowledgments, and a prologue before you ever read line one of the main text.

In an effort to de-shroud some of the mystery about a book’s beginning, I’ll explore what a prologue is and how to write one. (Hint: It's different from a preface .)

Note: This is one of many posts on the subject of book parts, from the prologue to the author's bio.

• What a prologue is and its purpose
• How a prologue is different from a foreword, preface, or introduction
• How to write a prologue

Table of contents

• What is the Purpose of a Prologue?
• How is a Prologue Different from a Foreword, Preface, or Introduction?
• Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse, Book 1) by James S.A. Corey
• Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
• Every Star Wars Movie
• Tips for Writing a Prologue
• Info-Dumping
• First-Chapter Crutch
• Flexing the Prose Muscles

Why Should You Trust Me?

I've actually been writing and formatting books for a long time. Over 10 years so far, and counting.

But that's not the real reason, because there are plenty of authors who have lots of experience, but know next to nothing about the different parts of a book, or book formatting in general.

The real reason you should trust me is because I actually created my own formatting software that solved all my problems. I called it Atticus.

But this isn't meant to be a sales pitch. I just want to make sure it's clear that I know what I'm talking about. The amount of research that went into not only formatting my own books, but also creating a formatting software is huge.

I researched everything, which led me to learn all about every. single. part. of. a. book. And there were a lot more than I realized.

And of course, that includes Prologues.

So if all that makes sense, hopefully you'll come along with me as show you everything I've learned.

What is a Prologue?

A prologue comes before the first chapter of a novel. It is part of the narrative and serves to set up the main story, provides some vital information, and prepares the reader for what is to come.

“Prologue” comes from the Greek prologos, meaning, “before word.” In an ancient Greek drama, the prologue was the equivalent of the first act of a play.

Prologues are used in works of fiction for a variety of reasons. They allow the writer to give the reader some vital information regarding the conflict of the story, the main character or characters, or the overall tone and meaning of the story. A prologue can also provide background detail and important (but limited) exposition. The prologue is separate from the bulk of the story but still important. If the reader skips the prologue, they will be missing some key piece of information that will come into play later in the book. And since the prologue is separate, it allows the author a bit more freedom to get creative. For example, it’s common for a prologue to be written from the point of view of a minor or secondary character. This different perspective may never be used again in the book, but the events of the prologue will most certainly be referenced at some point.

A good prologue should:

• Provide some foreshadowing.
• Introduce a major character, even if only by name or in passing.
• Provide some vital information on a character's backstory.
• Set the tone/feel for the rest of the story.
• Provide information on the world, conflict, time period, or inciting incident.

Some literary critics and editors think that writing a prologue can be a crutch, holding up a story with a weak beginning.

Readers know that a prologue is simultaneously separate and part of the story, and so they’re willing to indulge the author a bit – as long as it pulls them in, serves the main purpose of the story, and everything makes sense by the time the novel is finished.

Video: How to Write a Prologue

For a nice summary of this article, along with a few of my own personal thoughts on the subject, be sure to check out this video on what a prologue is, and how to write one.

Want more videos like this? Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly videos!

A prologue is within the world of the overall story and it is part of the front matter of a book. It’s as fictional as the rest of the story and serves one or more of the purposes listed above. Prologues are tools used exclusively in works of fiction such as novels, plays, and films. A prologue is considered the opposite of an epilogue , which comes at the end of the novel. A Foreword is usually written about the book itself or the author of the book. Typically written by another author or a person of note familiar with the story, genre, or subject matter, a foreword can be found in both fiction and nonfiction books in the introductory section. A Preface is a place the author uses to acknowledge those who may have helped along the way and to give thanks to any influences they may have. Prefaces can be found in nonfiction and fiction books.

An Introduction is also written by the author but is designed to give the reader context about the book itself. Whereas the preface usually tells about the journey of creating the book, the introduction prepares the reader to understand the wider significance of the work. Introductions are usually found in nonfiction books.

Great Examples of Prologues

Here are some modern and classic examples of great prologues for you to check out!

The first novel of the superb space opera starts with a prologue from Julie Mao’s point of view . Although we never enter her POV again in the book, this prologue is important to understanding the rest of the story, including the world the author(s) have created and the central conflict. It's an effective prologue in that it pulls the reader in and sets up questions that are answered later in the novel.

Romeo and Juliet , William Shakespeare

Perhaps the most well-known prologue in any literary work is from Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. In fact, several of Shakespeare’s plays have prologues, which he used to set the scene for the audience. The prologue in Romeo and Juliet begins: “Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. . .” The sonnet goes on for several more lines, but even those first four lines give the audience vital information about the Capulets and the Montagues without mentioning the two houses by name. It also does some foreshadowing, preparing the audience for the tragedy to come.

Moving away from literature a bit now, you may remember the beginning of every Star Wars movie to date. The text scrolling over the backdrop of space before the opening scene is a great example of a prologue. The exposition in those prologues sets the stage for the movie to follow, sometimes condensing years of conflict into a couple of sentences. The background is only important because it tells the audience exactly what it needs to know to get right into the meat of the story.

How to Write a Prologue

Determining whether to write a prologue is probably the hardest part. To determine if you need to write a prologue, ask yourself these questions before sitting down to your favorite writing software :

• Is there information the reader must have before the actual story begins?
• Can you present that information in a compelling and brief manner?
• Is it information that you can’t provide the audience in the opening chapter?

If you answered yes to all of those questions, you probably need a prologue. But if you answered no to any one of them, you may want to re-think the use of this literary device.

Remember that a prologue has one overall job: To keep the reader turning the pages . The other jobs of the prologue, like conveying important information, foreshadowing, introducing a major character, and setting the tone of the novel all come secondary to keeping the reader reading. Having a hard time coming up with the first line for your prologue (or your first chapter)? Check out this first line generator to get you started.

If you decide you need a prologue to start your novel, keep these tips in mind as you write .

• Remember to “show, don’t tell.”
• Keep it as short as possible (as if you're writing a very short story).
• Make sure any questions presented in the prologue are answered in the main body of the novel.

Know you’re going to use a prologue before you ever begin writing? Make sure to put it in the outline of your book ! (If you outline, that is.)

Format Beautiful Professional Books

Easy to use, and and full of amazing features, you can quickly turn your book into a professional book.

How Not to Write a Prologue

Now, let’s take a look at some common prologue mistakes to avoid as a writer.

This tends to be more of a problem in sci-fi and fantasy novels where the reader needs a bit of background information concerning the world, technology, politics, magic, etc. The tendency is to dump a ton of info on the reader at the prologue, bogging them down with pages and pages of background details and exposition. Readers are smart and they’re willing to put the pieces together. If you can find a way to drip-feed them important details through the narrative , then do so. Give the reader some credit and let them uncover the world you’ve built as they read the novel.

Another big mistake is to use the prologue as a crutch for a slow first chapter. Remember that both the prologue and the first chapter need to be compelling, enticing the reader to keep turning the pages.

Since the “rules” for prologues are a little lax, some writers tend to get carried away. Instead of seeing the prologue as a tool to be used only when absolutely necessary, they see it as a place to wow the reader with their skill as a writer, thinking that it will hook the reader into the rest of the novel. While good prose is a plus when writing any kind of fiction, it shouldn’t be the only focus. Some readers may enjoy the nice prose, but most are looking for a compelling narrative and they’ll move on to the next novel if they think there isn’t one coming.

How to Ensure an eReader Doesn't Skip Your Prologue

You may have noticed that when you open an eBook on a Kindle or other device, that it usually doesn't start at the very beginning (i.e. the cover of your book).

Instead, Amazon and other retailers estimate where the book starts, and in some cases this can lead to a reader starting with chapter 1 and completely missing your prologue!

So, assuming your prologue has vital information you want to convey, you need a way for readers to start there, instead of on chapter 1.

Thankfully, Atticus is the only formatting program that lets you do this.

All you have to do is go to the Book Details and scroll down until you find the section labelled Start Page .

From there, you simply select where you would like readers to start when they open your book for the first time.

This inserts a special code into the eBook file that lets Amazon know exactly where to open the book for new readers. Simple as that!

Atticus is the currently the only formatting software that lets you customize the Start Page of your book , and not only that, but it also works on virtually every platform, and it's over $100 cheaper than the competition (which does not have this Start Page feature).

Do you need a prologue for your book?

If you’re still unsure whether you should write a prologue, pick up a couple of your favorite novels that begin with prologues and read them. Try to remember how you felt when you realized how the prologue was related to the storyline. That’s the feeling you’re trying to evoke in readers. Stick with the tips above and avoid the common prologue pitfalls. Chances are you’ve got a good instinct for whether you need a prologue or not. Trust that instinct, and get writing!

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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Autobiography Writing Guide

Autobiography Examples

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Autobiography Examples – Detailed Outline and Samples

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

We all have stories to tell. And, for some of us, the only way we feel like we can get our story out there is by writing it down. Some people may believe that an autobiography is something only famous people write about themselves but that is not true. 

In fact, anyone who has a story worth telling can write an autobiography. 

If you are assigned to write an autobiography in your high school or college and you are confused about where to start, don’t panic. 

You are at the right place.

Explore this detailed guide to understand the concept of writing an autobiography. It will also provide you with some great autobiography examples for a better understanding.

On this Page

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a kind of the self-written story of a person's life. This type of narration has various aims and objectives that depend on the kind of writing that you decide to go with.

Moreover, it has different types. A writer can choose any of them on the basis of what he wants to include in his story.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OUTLINE (PDF)

AUTOBIOGRAPHY TEMPLATE (PDF)

Struggling to understand the basics of autobiography? Check out this how to write an autobiography to understand the key prerequisite of autobiographies. 

Autobiography Types

Below-mentioned is the four main types of autobiography. These include:

1. Traditional Autobiography –  It is a complete story that covers all life experiences including birth, childhood, and adulthood. You can write it for personal use. However, if you feel that your life can be inspiring for others, you can also write it for the wider public.

2. Memoir –  It focuses on describing a specific event, relationship, time period, or place that has an effect on your personality and life. For example, it may include your hometown or an important relationship.

3. Personal Essay –  It is the idea of sharing your life story with the audience in a way that they feel as if they were a part of it. Similarly, it also describes two aspects including the event and how it affected the beliefs.

4. Confessional –  Some people find comfort in writing about their mistakes and sins. Thus, they write this type of autobiography so that people will learn from their mistakes and avoid them.

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Examples are an essential way to learn something in less time. Therefore, we have stated some examples for you to write your autobiographies. These will also help to learn about a proper autobiography template and structure.

Have a look at these autobiography examples to get a better understanding.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

CULTURAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Educational Autobiography Examples for Students 

EDUCATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Autobiography Examples For College Students

Autobiography Examples About Yourself

Autobiography Examples Ks2

Famous Personality Autobiography

The autobiography of benjamin franklin is one example of a famous personality autobiography. Similarly, these famous autobiography examples will provide you with everything to get started with your famous personality autobiography.

FAMOUS PERSONALITY AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Funny Autobiography

FUNNY AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

High School Autobiography

HIGH SCHOOL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Literary Autobiography Example

Literary Autobiography

Personal Autobiography

PERSONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Professional Autobiography

PROFESSIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Struggling to understand the difference between memoir and autobiography? Check this guide with memoir vs autobiography examples to differentiate between the two terms.

Scientific Autobiography

SCIENTIFIC AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Short Autobiography Examples for Students

SHORT AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Autobiography Examples Books

Autobiography example books provide a detailed insight into the life of an individual. Through these real-life stories, readers get to know more about a person's experiences and how they overcame challenges. 

Book Autobiography Sample

Spiritual Autobiography Examples

Spiritual autobiographies are a great way to reflect on one's spiritual journey and the lessons learned along the way. Here is an example to help you out.

Spiritual Autobiography Sample

The Dos and Don'ts of an Autobiography

A successful autobiography indicates the author’s ability to present a worthwhile story. There are a wide variety of things that you can talk about while writing your personal narratives.

However, the following are some dos and don'ts of writing an autobiography that will help in refining your writing skills.

Some dos of writing an autobiography are:

• Understanding the Intended Audience

There is a huge difference when you are writing an autobiography for your friends or a group of strangers. Because it requires extensive details about life events and experiences. Thus, make sure to include facts that you consider significant.

• Developing A Core Concept

It is essential to identify the central theme of your autobiography. Moreover, a well-structured outline is also a proper way of associating one event with another. It will also set the interest of the readers by keeping the story consistent from the beginning to the end.

• Do Tell the Truth

Do not portray yourself as the hero or villain of the story. Instead, tell the truth and acknowledge your mistakes by exposing your strengths and weaknesses.

• Revising and Editing

Read aloud what you have written and do some editing. Check if your ideas flow logically and look out for interrupting thoughts.

• Do Seek Feedback

Ask your friends and family to read your work and provide you with feedback. Understand the difference between fair criticism and forced judgment.

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Don’ts of Writing an Autobiography

Below mentioned are some don'ts of writing an autobiography.

• Do Not Mention Unnecessary Details

Include relevant details and struggles when narrating your life story. Avoid adding unnecessary details. Instead, share the information that is directly related to your story.

• Stop Worrying About Others

Your story may contain some details that can have a negative effect on others. Do not worry about them and rearrange all the details.

Moreover, remember that you are not here to please everyone. Thus, avoid writing for a broader audience and make your story too generic and specific for the readers.

• Discuss Why Your Story Is Inspiring

If your main goal is to inspire people with your story, show them how you felt instead of telling them directly. Allow the audience to come to the conclusion through your writing style.

• Avoid Copying Someone's Story

It is a big mistake to copy someone's work to make your story compelling. Find the hook and unique points that are marketable. Also, think of all these details before you begin writing.

Autobiographies aim to educate and inform others in some ways. This blog has provided all the essential details to write an autobiography. You can generate even more samples of autobiography through our FREE AI-based paper writer . 

If you are still looking up “ who can write my essay? ”, relying on a professional expert is a good option. Make sure you select a reliable and top-ranked writing service, 5StarEssays.com . We guarantee you high-quality write essay services with zero percent plagiarism.

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Literature, Marketing

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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• How to Write an Autobiography - A Complete Guide

• Know the Different Types of Autobiography Here

• Autobiography Format for Students - A Detailed Guide

• Autobiography vs. Memoir: Definitions & Writing Tips

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Guides • Understanding Publishing

Last updated on Mar 17, 2023

Prologue in a Book: The Story Before the Story

A prologue is a short opening section in a book that is separate from the main narrative. Taking place within the story's world, they provide the reader with character backstory, worldbuilding, or foreshadowing. Prologues come at the beginning of a book; after any copyright , dedication, and epigraph pages. There’s no set length, but a prologue is usually shorter than a standard chapter.

A prologue is different from a preface , which is written from the perspective of the author and isn’t fictional. It’s also different from an introduction or foreword, both of which are generally found in nonfiction — the former being a summary of the author’s arguments while the latter is written by someone other than the author.

Now that we’ve covered what a prologue isn’t, let’s take a deeper dive into what prologues can do, along with some examples of great ones from literature.

Looking to learn how to write your own prologue? Check out our guide right here .

A prologue can create intrigue at the book’s opening

Authors often use a prologue to hook readers into a story by previewing what’s to come. In giving a taste of mystery or conflict to its readers, a prologue can whet their appetite for more. 

These types of prologues sometimes take place at the story's climax . They may center on characters that don’t appear in the rest of the book. They may even be a description of an incident that seems completely unrelated to the book. The idea here is to throw readers into the deep end and get them asking questions: who are these people? How did the story get to this point? How does it tie into the bigger story?

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By immediately introducing some kind of tension or intrigue, a prologue can pique the readers’ interest and reel them in with the promise that all will be revealed in due course.

Example: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Laced with threads of information about a mysterious association and a strong dose of high stakes, Ninth House gets readers asking questions with its prologue; what is this secret society? Where is this mysterious house? Will Alex survive her injury? All of these questions build suspense , and  can only be answered by turning the pages. 

📚 Looking for more fantasy titles to add to your TBR? Check out our list of the 60 best fantasy books of all time . 

While prologues are great at flipping the switch that turns casual readers into armchair detectives, they can also be deployed in ways that will inform how readers process the rest of the book.

Themes are often introduced in the prologue 

Since they often don’t directly relate to the main plot of the book, prologues can easily baffle readers. However, a seemingly unrelated prologue might be a sign that the author is planting an image or an idea they will want the reader to subconsciously draw on throughout the book. They might also be frontloading the book with a scene that focuses on a particular theme , encouraging readers to take in the rest of the narrative through a certain lens or with a particular frame of reference.

Example: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

 This extravagant and satirical novel lives up to its name by beginning with a prologue set in the lobby of a luxury hotel in London, 1986. A family of Chinese tourists arrive soaked from the (unusually heavy) English rain.. When the manager refuses to let them check in to their suite, the matriarchs of the family quickly deduce it’s down to the hotelier’s prejudice. One quick phone call later, the family now owns the hotel, and send the snooty manager packing. 

As we discover later, one of the children in this family is Nick, who is a major character in the book. The prologue reveals the kind of power that Nick’s family is used to wielding. This level of wealth may baffle Nick’s girlfriend, Rachel, later in the story, but not the readers — thanks to the prologue, we already know exactly how rich they are: crazy rich.

It isn’t always quite so on the nose, but authors often foreshadow major conflicts and themes in the prologue. By highlighting the Youngs’ unattainable lifestyle, the prologue of Crazy Rich Asians hints at the disparity that undergirds the central conflict of Nick and Rachel’s romance, as well as the general theme of class which beats throughout the novel. In this way, the prologue functions as a successful example of show, don’t tell , establishing some central points of tension.

Show, Don't Tell

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So far, we’ve looked at prologues as a way to prepare readers for the story’s narrative. But in many cases, especially in genre fiction, you’ll see them used as a tool to introduce readers to the world of the book.

It can be used for efficient worldbuilding

Prologues are a great opportunity for worldbuilding , especially in genres like sci-fi, fantasy, and historical fiction, where the reader might not understand the rules of your world and its setting . By picking some relatively recognizable details of the world and spotlighting them with a teaser scene, authors can transition readers from the real world to their fictional one. 

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Example: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

By capturing the atmosphere on the day, with its open gallows, anticipating spectators, and witch who cries out a curse after the execution, Follett draws readers into the era in which this Medieval tale unravels. 

As well as giving readers a glimpse into the world of the story, prologues are often used to introduce something critical about the book’s primary characters.

A prologue can build character backstory

Prologues can add nuance to a narrative, using a different time frame or location (or both) to provide key background information about characters or plot. It can help readers understand how a character has ended up where they are by the first chapter quickly and efficiently.

You’ll often see backstory prologues in book series, where a later installment may start by taking a character that readers already know. It could show them earlier in their lives — perhaps before they became the person they are in the main narratives. Just as often, though, you’ll find prologues used to introduce characters for the first time. 

💡 Think your story might warrant more than one book? Check out our tips for writing a series .

Example: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

We then cut to chapter one, set in this other world, years in the future. The kidnapped children are now grown and trying to make sense of their past as well as their position in this magical world. 

This hard-hitting prologue does a lot of heavy lifting for the novel. It establishes an inciting incident that throws the young character into an unfamiliar world that she must now navigate. On top of that, it draws comparisons between the human girl who lost her family to the faerie world and the faerie knight who lost his family to the human world. These two characters are in conflict bu inextricably linked, a theme that Black’s prologue introduces right off the bat. 

So far, we’ve seen that a prologue is a flexible tool that authors can deploy for a number of narrative and artistic purposes. But does that mean that every book can benefit from one?

But used poorly, a prologue can put readers off

Being the first taste readers get of a book, there’s a lot of pressure on a prologue to get it right. Executed badly, a prologue can be a drag. In fact, many authors swear against using them since there are many potential pitfalls. 

Say you're writing a romance about an unlucky-in-love woman finally finding true happiness. The prologue might feature a scene of her crying at home after a horrific breakup. She’s been unceremoniously dumped by her girlfriend at their anniversary dinner. On her way out of the restaurant, our tearful lead receives a phone call; her mother has just died, and, in one evening, her life as she knew it is over. Whilst this prologue provides insight into why our heroine is emotionally guarded in the subsequent love story, it doesn't intrigue the reader and it doesn't tell them anything they couldn't have figured out themselves. 

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This hypothetical prologue is not only an info-dump but it also overwhelms the reader with backstory instead of immersing them in action. Also, by immediately revealing why our lead is so disillusioned with love, we lose a valuable source of tension: the question of “but what could possibly have gone so wrong in her past?”. A better option could be drip fed through flashbacks or exposition as we (and the new romantic interest) get to know her better.

So what's the lesson? Prologues are difficult to pull off, even for the most accomplished authors, and they're not always needed. They can harm a novel’s pacing by delaying the story’s true beginning, but a prologue that serves your story can be both fun and rewarding. If you want to take up the challenge of writing your own prologue, head over to our guide to writing these tricky little passages.

The next post in this guide will focus on the final piece of a book's front-matter ensemble: the preface.

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15 Autobiography Examples to Inspire Your Own

POSTED ON Oct 25, 2023

Written by Nicole Ahlering

So you’re ready to write an autobiography ! Congratulations; this can be a gratifying personal project. And just like any creative endeavor, it’s a great idea to start by getting inspired. 

In this article, we’re sharing 15 stellar autobiography examples to get your wheels turning. We’ll also share some need-to-know info on the different types of autobiographies and autobiography layouts, and we’ll leave you with a list of catchy ways to start your book. Let’s get going!

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In this article, we'll explore:

What are the different types of autobiographies .

As it turns out, there are many different ways to write a book about yourself. You can go the traditional autobiography route, which is a chronological account of your entire life. Or you can write a memoir , which zeroes in on specific themes or time periods in your life. 

If you’d like, your autobiography can be composed of individual personal essays, or you can blend your autobiography with literary techniques to create a piece of creative nonfiction . 

There are graphic autobiographies that use comics or other combinations of images and text to illustrate your life story, or you can simply publish an edited version of your journal or diary . 

You can write a travelog that documents your life through your adventures or blend elements of your life with made-up stories to create autobiographical fiction . 

When it comes to sharing your life story, there are few rules!

How can I lay out my autobiography? 

Did you know there are multiple ways you can structure your autobiography? The most common is to put it in chronological order . But you can also lay out your book in reverse chronological order or even jump around in time .

Here are a few other layouts to consider: 

• Thematic or topical . As you outline your autobiography, pay attention to themes that emerge. You can lay out your autobiography by central ideas rather than by time. 
• Flashback and flash-forward. This nonlinear approach can be a great way to create some excitement and intrigue in your life story.
• Cyclical structure. Is there one event that you feel defined your life story? Why not try circling back to it throughout your book? This can be an interesting way to demonstrate how your perspective changed with time. 

If you need a little more help laying out your autobiography, we have free autobiography templates and free book templates to help you. 

Related: 50 Eye-Catching Autobiography Titles

15 Autobiographies to inspire your own 

Ready to get your creative juices flowing? Here are some examples of autobiography to add to your reading list. 

1. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

One of the best-known autobiographies, The Diary of a Young Girl, is an excellent example of a journal-style layout. Featuring the story of a young girl who is hiding during the Holocaust, aspiring writers will find inspiration in Frank’s raw emotions and candor. 

2. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda 

A favorite of Steve Jobs, this autobiography details the author’s spiritual journey through yoga and meditation. It’s a wonderful example of how to blend the recounting of events with spiritual insights and philosophical teachings. 

3. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela 

The former South African president wrote this stunning autobiography about his struggle against apartheid, his imprisonment, and his presidency. Aspiring autobiography writers who want to write a book about social change should read this one. 

4. The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi

In his autobiography, Gandhi explores his philosophy of nonviolent resistance through his political and spiritual journey. Writers will appreciate this book for the way it weaves stories of personal growth into a larger narrative of social change. 

5. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

One of several autobiographical works by Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings explores her coming-of-age experience amidst racism and a traumatic childhood. Writers should read this to hear Angelou’s powerful story and be inspired by her vivid language. 

6. The Story of My Life by Hellen Keller

Keller details her remarkable life as a deaf and blind person, sharing intimate details about her education and advocacy work. Aspiring writers will benefit from reading Keller’s sensory-rich language since she has the unique experience of navigating the world through touch.

7. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X

This autobiography, written in collaboration with journalist Alex Haley, tracks Malcolm X from his youth through his adulthood as a prominent activist in the civil rights movement. Read this one to learn tips and tricks for writing about your personal evolution. 

8. The Story of My Life by Clarence Darrow 

Darrow shares his experiences as a civil libertarian and prominent American Lawyer in this enlightening autobiography. Writers should read this one to learn how to build a persuasive argument in their book. 

9. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah 

South African comedian, television host, and political commentator Trevor Noah wrote this autobiography detailing his upbringing during apartheid in South Africa. This is a must-read for writers who are looking to infuse humor into their autobiographies—even when writing about heavy subjects . 

10. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

In her autobiography, Yousafzia recounts her tumultuous and sometimes terrifying journey advocating for equal education for girls. If you want to write your own autobiography, read this one first to learn how to bring an authentic voice to your narrative. 

11. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Boom’s autobiography shares the harrowing story of her family’s efforts to hide Jews from the Nazis during World War II. Writers should read this to witness how Boom weaves a historical narrative into her life story. 

12. Agatha Christie: An Autobiography by Agatha Christie 

Renowned mystery writer Agatha Christie took time away from her suspenseful novels to write a book about herself. If you plan to write an autobiography, read Christie’s first to learn how to build a sense of intrigue. 

13. Chronicles: Volume 1 by Bob Dylan 

If you’re an artist writing your autobiography, you’ll be inspired by Dylan’s. It shares his unique perspective on the creative process in music and literature and delves into what it means to maintain your artistic vision. 

14. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 

This well-known autobiography may make you cry, but it’s well worth the read. Written by a surgeon as he faces a terminal illness, it’s a must-read for any author exploring themes of mortality in their writing. 

15. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama 

This autobiography by the former U.S. president is a great read for anyone aspiring to write an autobiography that intertwines their personal story with a larger societal and political narrative. 

• 31 Best Autobiographies
• 30 Celebrity Autobiographies

What is a catchy autobiography introduction? 

Sometimes the hardest part of a new project is getting started. If you’re ready to begin writing your autobiography and need a good opener, here are some angles to consider: 

• Start by describing a childhood dream and how it influenced your journey. 
• Open with a letter to your younger self.
• Share a formative childhood memory. 
• Start with a thought-provoking question you’ll answer as your book progresses.
• Talk about an object that’s meaningful to you and tie it to a larger story about your life.

With so much inspiration and so many wonderful resources, there’s never been a better time to write your autobiography. If, after reading a few books on this list, you’re not sure where to start with yours—let us help! Just sign up for a book consultation to get started.

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Autobiography Introduction Examples (5 Writing Styles)

Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD

Introduction

Writing an autobiography is the finest way to regard something intriguing to communicate. Self-writing your autobiography is a fantastic way to preserve your family and friends with a keepsake.

There’s no right way to write an autobiography, but these five examples show you how to start writing your autobiography in various styles. Whether you’re a detail-oriented person who wants to write an extensive work of fiction or tell your story more straightforwardly, these examples can help. So get started and experiment with different writing styles to find the one that works best for you!

How to Write an Autobiography Introduction?

You’ll usually find a narrative about how that individual was born in the typical autobiography introduction. The character is just a character to the reader, regardless of whether or not an autobiography is a life story. To get to know you, readers need a frame of reference.

Some Key Rules to Follow to Write a Compelling Autobiography Introduction

Include the theme.

There must be a certain thesis or idea underlying the various chapters of your autobiography when you’re telling a life story to interest the reader. What you’re writing has a purpose, and you’ll help to pique people’s interest for the following tale you have to tell if you include that point in your autobiography introduction to give them an idea of what’s ahead.

Give Your Reader a Taste of Topics

Autobiographies provide a safe place to explore uncomfortable topics that would otherwise go unexplored. Since you’re using your life as a safety net for those uncertainties, this is the case. You’ll offer them the opportunity to decide whether they want to invest time reading the remainder of what you’ve written to provide the reader a taste of what topics you’ll be covering throughout the autobiography.

Include a Unique Event

An autobiography introduction might begin at the pivotal moment when everything starts to shift for you, much as a film begins at a key moment near the tale’s conclusion. When readers have had life experiences similar to yours, sharing the epiphany you had can help you sync with them on a very personal level.

Create a Rythm of Your Narrative

In your autobiography, it’s sometimes more important to establish a beat than to develop an argument or thesis statement. This is especially true when your tale is difficult for the average person to comprehend. You’ll reduce the shock your readers’ eyes experience by viewing your style before you dive into your main stories.

Do a Proper Formatting

Your autobiography introduction should be written in the same style as the remainder of your book. You may desire to make an individual chapter for this introduction if you’re writing a novel-length story (120,000-ish words). You’ll want to follow whatever writing style you want to use (expository, persuasive, or analytical) while writing an essay.

Just be Yourself

Too often, people try too hard to be something they’re not in the opening paragraph of their autobiography. Just be yourself, and everything will be okay. Write anything that comes to mind. To help integrate it into the main text you’ve created, repeat that idea several times after you write it down.

Apart from these, a story is an important element in autobiography because it clearly explains how the author’s life has been affected by significant events or people. Authors can strengthen their writing skills while sharing their own personal stories through interesting anecdotes, quotes, and stories. Be aware that a story should make you feel something emotionally–this could be your experience, starting with these simple tips!

5 Writing Styles of an Autobiography

This section will discuss the five writing styles of autobiography for you to choose from when writing about your life.

Full Autobiography

This sort of autobiography centers on a person’s entire life, from birth to today. If their whole lives are different, authors choose to write a full autobiography. You allow your readers to get to know you better by writing a full or traditional autobiography.

Elia Kazan’s book , ‘A Life’ is a good example of a complete autobiography. One of the United States founders, Benjamin Franklin, wrote an autobiography that is another good example .

The autobiography of Nelson Mandela is one of the most famous autobiographies in world history. He led his country to great accomplishments through political, social, and cultural change with a nonviolent protest against oppression during apartheid. Nelson Mandela’s autobiography includes his life story from early childhood until today. His story shows what he has done for his country and how he became South Africa’s first black president after many years of imprisoned by white minority rule in South Africa.

Personal Essay

It’s one of the earliest types of personal writing. Compared to the other three types of writing, a personal essay is the most creative and intimate. The tone and style are emphasized rather than the plot in this kind of writing.

You must combine your emotions, ideas, and personal discovery into your existence or a trip. Diane Ackerman’s essay, “A Natural History of the Senses,” is a fantastic personal essay example.

Historians often write memoirs, but one compelling memoir on children was by E. Boyd Barrett: “The Boy Who Pulled Himself Up By His Bootstraps.” He shares how he overcame adversity to become a great and powerful man in his memoir. He is known as the “boy who walked 2 miles in an hour” because of his superhuman strength, which enabled him at age 9 to pull himself up on the outside window ledge!

A memoir concentrates on a certain location, period, or connection. The first-person perspective is used in memoirs. Since it concentrates on a key portion of your life, it is less comprehensive than the conventional autobiography. It may be about who you are now and your childhood years, and it might be about who you are because of your interaction with someone.

Those who have done something wrong write this type of autobiography. In the hope that other people may learn from their errors, they take solace in writing about them. Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Confessions is a good example to look at.

Autobiographies are a great way to write about one’s life. It gives readers a clear understanding of the writer through their own story instead of creating some impression or fake person, which most writers anticipate for their works. However, this way does not always work well, and sometimes it turns out to be a failure that would give rise to many different scenarios in life and can even result in death.

Psychological Illness

Individuals who have had any mental illness find writing down their feelings therapeutic in this autobiography. Even though some people’s concerns are listened to by knowledgeable persons, writing down your tales is more comfortable. Esmé Weijun Wang’s book, The Collected Schizophrenias, is noteworthy.

How should high school students write autobiographies?

Answer: High school students might use an autobiography example for high school admission essays to connect with their own or other life experiences. You may find high school application essay examples in this article of a short autobiographical narrative (i.e., not more than ten pages) that you can copy and paste into your sentences (or paragraphs). Writing a high school admissions essay is easier by using someone else’s story as your starting point.

What is the ideal writing process for an autobiography?

Answer: The writing process allows writing the autobiography based on your knowledge and skills. This can help gain the public’s attention for you and provide an opportunity to learn new information about yourself or what others know about you. Using proper grammar with good spelling will make it easier for your audience to understand what you are trying to say in the essay, thus improving its meaning through clarity alone.

Is there a difference between an introduction and a preface?

Answer: There is a difference between an introduction and a preface, but they are typically used before a document or piece of writing. An introduction is a short statement that sets the scene for the rest of the document, while a preface is a longer overview that contextualizes the work.

How do you start an autobiography’s first sentence?

Answer: There is no one “right” way to start an autobiography. Still, some popular methods include recounting your childhood, describing your early experiences in your career, or sharing stories about significant events in your life. The important thing is to get started and to keep the momentum going. It is also helpful to keep track of what you have written and revise as needed. There is no right or wrong way to start an autobiography, as it is ultimately up to the individual to decide what they want to share with the world. Just be sure to have fun and let your imagination run wild! In the autobiography intro, you’ll need to introduce the reader. You can remind the reader why they should be interested in your story and what it is about. Some people like a good anecdote at the beginning because this helps them grasp and remember the most important point or principle within your life experience so far – which will make them interested in reading further with your book idea.

What is an autobiographical essay or autobiography essay?

Answer: An autobiographical essay is a form of essay that focuses on the writer’s memories or experiences. Autobiographical essays are written in first-person point-of-view, and they explain how one came to be who they are today, including their background information, values, and life goals.

Final Words

Writing an autobiography introduction is a daunting task, but it can be a very powerful tool in your arsenal with the right approach. This blog post will discuss the rules of writing an autobiography introduction with five different writing styles and include some FAQs to help you better understand the process. After reading this post, hopefully, you will have a better idea of what to expect when writing your autobiography introduction.

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2 thoughts on “Autobiography Introduction Examples (5 Writing Styles)”

Thank you so much for this. My wife is compiling her memories of growing up to poor parents during WW2 and up to the present day. I’m assembling these into some sort of continuous narrative and I really needed help on how to begin. Thankfully, Jan’s paragraphs do fit in with your advice. You ask for a website. I’ve had three medieval adventure stories published that are centred around the town of Dudley. I hope that it’s still in operation. Jan’s work describes growing up in nearby Tipton.

Dear Robert, Thank you for taking the time to read my article and for sharing your thoughts with me. I’m delighted to hear that my tips on autobiography introduction have been helpful in guiding you and your wife’s project.

It sounds like your wife’s story is both interesting and important, and I wish you both the best of luck in bringing her memories to life. I’m glad to hear that Jan’s paragraphs align with the advice I’ve provided.

Best regards, Sharon

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How to Write a Prologue for Your Novel

Last Updated: February 26, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Grant Faulkner, MA . Grant Faulkner is the Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and the co-founder of 100 Word Story, a literary magazine. Grant has published two books on writing and has been published in The New York Times and Writer’s Digest. He co-hosts Write-minded, a weekly podcast on writing and publishing, and has a M.A. in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University.  wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 13 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 350,164 times.

The prologue appears at the very beginning of a novel as a section before the first chapter of the book. A good prologue will feel essential to the novel and not just a bonus chapter or a stalling tactic on the part of the writer. To write an effective prologue for your novel, you will need to first recognize the purpose of a prologue, create one (or several) drafts of the prologue and edit the prologue down so it is polished and ready for print.

Sample Prologues

Identifying the Different Uses of a Prologue

• However, many writers argue against using a prologue as a way to dump a whole bunch of backstory, or past information, on the reader. Instead, the backstory in the prologue should feel essential to the rest of the novel and contain information that could not be placed anywhere else in the novel.
• A backstory heavy prologue should reveal the origin of the quest or mission in the novel and provide the reader with information about the past that leads up to the present action in the novel. This could be the history behind an event, like a war or a conflict, that is touched on in the novel or the history of a character who is important to the novel. [2] X Research source

• A hook prologue could present a scene that introduces character and action that become very important in the novel. It could also foreshadow what is going to happen and allow your reader to briefly meet one of your characters or several of your characters.

• This method can be effective if your novel is voice driven and dominated by one narrator or one to two narrators. Writers will use prologues this way if they feel they need to let the reader know why the story is being told.

Grant Faulkner, MA

Our Expert Agrees: A prologue frames the story in a certain light and can create suspense about the rest of the piece. Don't think of your prologue as an extra appendage, but instead a part of the story itself that enhances the overall experience. Also, the prologue should put the story in motion.

• This type of prologue gives you the opportunity to use a point of view that is not used much or at all in the rest of the novel. It also prevents you from violating your POV later in the novel, as you have already addressed the one character's point of view in your prologue.

Creating a Draft of Your Prologue

• Think about how the prologue is going to enhance your novel and feel integral to the story. Will it reveal character, setting, or point of view? Will it provide backstory or frame the rest of the novel in a particular way?
• If you are writing a prologue for a completed book, you should also think about how the prologue will interact with your first chapter. The prologue should hook your reader in and be just as strong as the details and scenes in your first chapter, if not better. The prologue should not regurgitate details in the first chapter or feel redundant in any way, as this will likely lead to a boring and dry prologue.

• Use the five senses to make the scene come alive for the reader, with a focus on what the scene smells like, feels like, sounds like, and of course, how it looks. Have your character interact with these elements in the scene and use your character as a way for your reader to access the scene.

• Avoid hopping around in time a lot in your prologue, as this can make the prologue feel confusing or jumpy to the reader. Try to stay in one time period or within one to two time periods so the prologue does not become too long.

• If you are using the prologue as a way to access a character that does not appear again in the novel or only appears as a minor character, use the prologue to really explore the character's perspective. This is your opportunity to show the reader more about the character and delve into what makes the character tick.

Editing Your Prologue

• One way to check the pace of the prologue is to read it out loud to yourself or to someone else. Mark any run on sentences or awkward moments in the draft and work them over until they sound smooth and to the point.

• Your prologue should be strong enough to stand on its own, separate from the novel. It should almost read like a short story, with a contained story line and a conflict. However, unlike a short story, the ending of your prologue should remain open. It can introduce a conflict that will be resolved or addressed later in the novel, leaving the reader wanting more.

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• ↑ https://www.foremostpress.com/authors/articles/prologue.html
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/4-approaches-for-the-first-chapter-of-your-novel
• ↑ https://www.scribendi.com/advice/how_to_write_a_prologue.en.html
• ↑ https://lindasclare.com/2016/01/writing-a-prologue/
• ↑ https://theeditorsblog.net/2011/07/06/pros-and-cons-of-prologue/

About This Article

The prologue is the section of a novel that comes just before the first chapter, and a good one should have a clear purpose with well-polished writing. Start by choosing what you want your prologue to accomplish. You can use it to provide backstory before the reader starts the novel, as a teaser to hook the reader, or even as a way to frame the rest of the novel. For instance, the prologue can be about a character sitting down to write the novel, so they can then be the narrator for the rest of the book. Once you’ve identified the purpose of your prologue, write your first draft, and focus on keeping it short and to the point. Try to use only 1-2 scenes to draw the reader into the novel. When you edit your draft, check the grammar and spelling, and keep only the essential details so it’s fast-paced and engaging. For tips about how to use a specific character voice in your prologue, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Writing Tips

4 Examples of Engaging Prologues

• 6-minute read
• 29th September 2022

If you’re a fiction author , you might consider adding a prologue to your next novel. Prologues can be a great way to introduce your audience to your story’s characters, setting, or other important information. Since this is the reader’s first glimpse into your book, it’s especially important that it’s engaging.

In this post, we’ll explore different types of prologues before sharing some examples of the kinds that work.

Types of Prologues

A prologue is an introductory section that sets up the story to follow. Prologues can be anywhere from a few sentences to even a few chapters long, and they’re always placed at the start of a novel.

The four most common types of prologues are:

• Flashback: A prologue that explores an event that happened in the past, prior to the main story. This is usually something the protagonist experienced, and its influence or repercussions can be explored throughout the rest of the novel. A flashback prologue can help flesh out your characters and make them feel more real.
• Flashforward: While a flashback prologue takes place in the past, a flashforward prologue takes place in the future. It’s set after events that happen later or at the end of the story. The purpose of a flashforward prologue is to intrigue the reader and make them want to find out how this future will come about.
• Exposition: Most commonly used in historical fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi, this is a prologue that establishes the rules and background of the setting where the story takes place. If your story relies heavily on worldbuilding , you might want to try writing this type of prologue.
• Alternative perspective: This is a prologue told from a different perspective than that of the protagonist. It can occur before, during, or after the main events of the story, and it’s often used in crime and horror fiction. Alternative perspective prologues can provide the reader with information that the protagonist is unaware of, or they can introduce your story’s antagonist.

Next, let’s see how these types of prologues can work on the page by taking a look at some examples.

1. Flashback: Affinity

Sarah Waters’ Affinity is a historical novel set in the 1870s. It follows the story of Margaret Prior, an upper-class woman visiting a women’s prison following a personal tragedy, and Selina Dawes, a spirit medium imprisoned for the murder of Mrs. Brink, her patron.

The prologue is told in the form of a letter from Selina, written on the night of Mrs. Brink’s death. Selina recounts the events of the evening, beginning when a young lady named Madeline Silver comes to witness her psychic talents. The interaction goes wrong, however, and Madeline faints. Mrs. Brink, startled by the commotion, runs into the room, and she’s so horrified by what she sees that she dies soon after.

Throughout the letter, Selina refers to a man named Peter Quick. She claims it was he who startled Madeline and caused her to faint. Later, we learn that Peter Quick is a ghost that Madeline supposedly channels.

As the prologue is written in the first person, we get a close insight into her thoughts, feelings and responses. This establishes several things about Selina’s character and backstory, which lead to many well-planned plot twists later in the novel.

2: Flashforward: The Book Thief

Markus Zusak’s novel The Book Thief is set in Germany during WWII and narrated by the personification of Death. In the prologue, titled ‘A Mountain Range of Rubble’, Death begins by talking about the three times he encounters the protagonist, a girl named Liesel:

• First, when he comes for a body on a train
• Second, when he comes for a crashed pilot
• Third, when he visits the wreckage of a bombed town

The first encounter is a flashback, but the third and second refer to major events that happen later in the novel. No specific details are provided, so we’re left feeling curious about the circumstances under which Death meets Liesel, and why he has a connection to her.

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3. Exposition: The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R. Tolkien’s first installment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy contains a great example of an exposition-style prologue.

This prologue is helpful for those who haven’t read the prequel ( The Hobbit ) because it goes into plenty of detail about what exactly hobbits are, where they live, and how they behave. It also summarizes the plot of The Hobbit and introduces Bilbo Baggins and his nephew, Frodo Baggins, the novel’s protagonist.

One of the things that makes this prologue work so well is that, through the information provided about hobbits, we get glimpses at how the wider world of The Lord of the Rings works. We’re informed that it’s called Middle-earth, that there are many other races living in it (such as men, elves, and dwarves), and that, most importantly, there is a certain magic ring that’s about to reveal its secrets.

The prologue to the Fellowship of the Ring , then, achieves several things by:

• Introducing the main characters
• Explaining how their society and culture works
• Exploring the wider world and history of the story
• Setting up the conflict that will be faced

If you’re writing an exposition prologue, it doesn’t have to be as long or as in depth as Tolkien’s. Remember, though, the information you give should be relevant to the story you’re about to tell.

4. Alternative Perspective: Jurassic Park

Michael Crichton’s dinosaur thriller Jurassic Park sets the scene with a prologue told from the perspective of Bobby Carter, a first aid worker on an island near Costa Rica.

While working at a remote hospital near a small village, Bobby encounters a seriously injured man. She’s told that he was involved in a construction accident, but when Bobby inspects his wounds, she realizes they must have been made by some kind of animal. She takes photographs of the wounds, but her camera is later stolen.

Eventually, the man succumbs to his injuries. As he dies, he says something that Bobby believes to be the phrase ‘ lo sa raptor ’. Her coworker believes the man was talking about a spirit known as a Hupia . Bobby looks up the word ‘raptor’, only to come across the definition ‘bird of prey’. Of course, for anyone familiar with Jurassic Park , it’s clear that the man was trying to say ‘velociraptor’!

This prologue establishes a sense of intrigue – what killed the man, and why does it seem like his death is being covered up? And as the prologue is told from a minor character’s perspective, the protagonists are unaware of the danger they’re about to encounter, thus ramping up the excitement.

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Autobiography

Definition of autobiography.

Autobiography is one type of biography , which tells the life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author’s life. Rather than being written by somebody else, an autobiography comes through the person’s own pen, in his own words. Some autobiographies are written in the form of a fictional tale; as novels or stories that closely mirror events from the author’s real life. Such stories include Charles Dickens ’ David Copperfield  and J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in The Rye . In writing about personal experience, one discovers himself. Therefore, it is not merely a collection of anecdotes – it is a revelation to the readers about the author’s self-discovery.

Difference between Autobiography and Memoir

In an autobiography, the author attempts to capture important elements of his life. He not only deals with his career, and growth as a person, he also uses emotions and facts related to family life, relationships, education, travels, sexuality, and any types of inner struggles. A memoir is a record of memories and particular events that have taken place in the author’s life. In fact, it is the telling of a story or an event from his life; an account that does not tell the full record of a life.

Six Types of Autobiography

There are six types of autobiographies:

• Autobiography: A personal account that a person writes himself/herself.
• Memoir : An account of one’s memory.
• Reflective Essay : One’s thoughts about something.
• Confession: An account of one’s wrong or right doings.
• Monologue : An address of one’s thoughts to some audience or interlocuters.
• Biography : An account of the life of other persons written by someone else.

Importance of Autobiography

Autobiography is a significant genre in literature. Its significance or importance lies in authenticity, veracity, and personal testimonies. The reason is that people write about challenges they encounter in their life and the ways to tackle them. This shows the veracity and authenticity that is required of a piece of writing to make it eloquent, persuasive, and convincing.

Examples of Autobiography in Literature

Example #1:  the box: tales from the darkroom by gunter grass.

A noble laureate and novelist, Gunter Grass , has shown a new perspective of self-examination by mixing up his quilt of fictionalized approach in his autobiographical book, “The Box: Tales from the Darkroom.” Adopting the individual point of view of each of his children, Grass narrates what his children think about him as their father and a writer. Though it is really an experimental approach, due to Grass’ linguistic creativity and dexterity, it gains an enthralling momentum.

Example #2:  The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

In her autobiography, The Story of My Life , Helen Keller recounts her first twenty years, beginning with the events of the childhood illness that left her deaf and blind. In her childhood, a writer sent her a letter and prophesied, “Someday you will write a great story out of your own head that will be a comfort and help to many.”

In this book, Keller mentions prominent historical personalities, such as Alexander Graham Bell, whom she met at the age of six, and with whom she remained friends for several years. Keller paid a visit to John Greenleaf Whittier , a famous American poet, and shared correspondence with other eminent figures, including Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Mrs. Grover Cleveland. Generally, Keller’s autobiography is about overcoming great obstacles through hard work and pain.

Example #3:  Self Portraits: Fictions by Frederic Tuten

In his autobiography, “Self Portraits: Fictions ,” Frederic Tuten has combined the fringes of romantic life with reality. Like postmodern writers, such as Jorge Luis Borges, and Italo Calvino, the stories of Tuten skip between truth and imagination, time and place, without warning. He has done the same with his autobiography, where readers are eager to move through fanciful stories about train rides, circus bears, and secrets to a happy marriage; all of which give readers glimpses of the real man.

Example #4:  My Prizes by Thomas Bernhard

Reliving the success of his literary career through the lens of the many prizes he has received, Thomas Bernhard presents a sarcastic commentary in his autobiography, “My Prizes.” Bernhard, in fact, has taken a few things too seriously. Rather, he has viewed his life as a farcical theatrical drama unfolding around him. Although Bernhard is happy with the lifestyle and prestige of being an author, his blasé attitude and scathing wit make this recollection more charmingly dissident and hilarious.

Example #5:  The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin

“The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin ” is written by one of the founding fathers of the United States. This book reveals Franklin’s youth, his ideas, and his days of adversity and prosperity. He is one of the best examples of living the American dream – sharing the idea that one can gain financial independence, and reach a prosperous life through hard work.

Through autobiography, authors can speak directly to their readers, and to their descendants. The function of the autobiography is to leave a legacy for its readers. By writing an autobiography, the individual shares his triumphs and defeats, and lessons learned, allowing readers to relate and feel motivated by inspirational stories. Life stories bridge the gap between peoples of differing ages and backgrounds, forging connections between old and new generations.

Synonyms of Autobiography

The following words are close synonyms of autobiography such as life story, personal account, personal history, diary, journal, biography, or memoir.

Related posts:

• The Autobiography of Malcolm X

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Prologue (Autobiography)

Dr. Paul T. P. Wong’s autobiography,  A Lifelong Search for Meaning: Lessons on Virtue, Grit, and Faith , is published in weekly installments.  Stay updated here .

Any well-lived life is worth telling and retelling because it can help others who feel overwhelmed and defeated by life. However, it is never easy to write a memoir. The writing of my life story has been almost 15 years in the making!

I was finally able to overcome my years of resistance to completing my memoir when I came to the difficult decision that some of the people who had caused me great harm needed to be named, the reason being so that they or people like them could not continue to inflict pain on innocent people with impunity. An even more compelling reason was that my story of overcoming would encourage others to move forward with courage, grit, and faith rather than wallowing in self-pity as victims.

My story would not be worth telling if I simply whitewashed all the ugly things that have happened to me and made up a sweet story. Alternatively, it would also not be worth writing if it was nothing more than vomiting all the bitterness in my life. It is worth telling only because I have the courage to speak the truth about the difficult uphill struggle of overcoming and the precious grace of finding healing in Christ.

Another challenge was finding the right voice to tell my story. Ideally, an authentic voice is honest without being unkind, emotional without being bitter, and earnest without being stringent. Such a delicate balance is possible only when one has developed the right attitude, a noble intention, a compassionate heart, and a gracious voice. I don’t know how successful I have been in putting forth this autobiography, but at least this was my objective.

It is possible to recount past traumas without any bitterness when one realizes that suffering is a blessing in disguise. Suffering often leads us to God and transforms us into saints. At a deeper level, suffering is the common element in all good things, as illustrated by my life story. From a spiritual vantage point, I believe that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

My Life is an Impossible Dream

I have come a long way from my dark days as a depressed, unemployed high school graduate. I could have gone much further, had I not encountered the interruptions and obstacles of my life.

Nevertheless, I would not trade my life with anyone else’s. It has been a real privilege to be given an obscure but tough role to play in the human drama; I am glad that I am still able to make a unique contribution in my limited role.

I have learned that life is not about winning but about making the best of your life for a higher purpose in spite of all the limiting factors. My life is the story of the defiant human spirit and divine grace working together to achieve the impossible dream of bettering humanity with little or even no resources.

I’ve been given so many impossible assignments to show that, with God, nothing is impossible. My complaints turned into praises, once I learned the important lesson that my life is not just about me, but about being an instrument of peace in God’s hand.

Ultimately, it is not our circumstances, but our values and choices that determine our destiny. The saddest thing in life is when people invest all their talents, energy, and time, only to squander their opportunities for some misguided egotistic purposes that eventually lead to their destruction. The most beautiful thing in life is when people surrender to God whatever little talent they may possess, and God makes it multiply hundredfold.

I owe it to my family and friends, indeed, to all my fellow human beings, to share the life lessons I have learnt fighting in the trenches of the battlefields and blazing a new trail deep in the dark jungles.

My Lifelong Quest for Meaning

How did I get to where I am today, all the way from the bottom of a dark pit over 60 years ago?  I can boast that I have failed more often than most people, and I have gone through more sufferings than most people (see Epilogue ). Yet, I am still standing tall.

What are the secrets of my survival and success in a harsh and turbulent world? What accounts for my remarkable transformation from a very sensitive and melancholic boy to an influential public figure on the world stage?

My answer may be surprisingly simple and yet complicated—the pursuit of meaning!

There is no other motivation more powerful and more transformative. All my life, day in and day out, sunshine or storm, paid or unpaid, healthy or sick, and even now in my old age, I have struggled in my quest for meaning, with little reward or recognition. What has sustained me is the deep conviction that I can bring meaning and thus happiness to the suffering masses.

The greatest discovery I have made is the transformative power of meaning; it can both transform negative emotions to mature happiness (Wong, 2017) and liberate us from self-preoccupation to self-transcendence (Wong, 2016).

The 12 principles of meaning are:

• You are responsible for your life
• You need to know yourself
• You need to be socially integrated
• You need to have faith or belief
• You need to have the courage to be true to yourself and do the right thing
• You need to do something creative and significant with your life
• You need to develop true grit to pursue your calling or life dream
• You need the wisdom and ability to adapt to changing circumstances
• You need to take the bad with the good as two sides of the same coin
• You need to be appreciative and grateful
• You need a moral compass to navigate perilous waters
• You need to author a good story to live by

The above principles have been discovered from both psychological research and the crucibles of suffering. Just as the above principles have been in operation throughout my life, they can also be applied to other people’s lives if they are open to the infinite possibilities of meaning and spirituality.

The most enduring book on meaning in life is not one which tells people the simple ABC steps based on positive psychology research, but one that teaches people the time-tested spiritual principles of how to live a meaningful life in a turbulent and chaotic world.

Viktor Frankl’s (1985) Man’s Search for Meaning is such a book. It remains an all-time bestseller because it meets people where they are and challenges them to have the courage and faith to say “Yes” to life, no matter what. Frankl challenges people to assume personal responsibility as an ethical and instrumental agent in a world full of suffering and injustice (Wong, 2015). Through his personal triumph in a Nazi concentration camp, Frankl demonstrated that understanding the meaning of suffering is the key to living a meaningful life.

The world is still full of suffering, even in the unlikely places of home and church. I hope that I have also demonstrated with my life story that the human capacity for meaning-seeking and meaning-making is the key to human flourishing, whatever one’s private hell may be.

I want to dedicate my autobiography to all those who have suffered traumas and grave injustice, who are struggling with addiction and other mental health issues, or who are in the throes of an existential crisis, desperate for an answer. May my life story inspire and empower all those who feel that the world has conspired against them and that life has passed them by.

• Frankl, V. E. (1985). Man’s search for meaning (Revised & updated ed.). New York, NY: Washington Square Press.
• Wong, P. T. P. (2015, December).  The meaning hypothesis of living a good life: Virtue, happiness, and meaning.  Paper presented at the research working group meeting for Virtue, Happiness, and the Meaning of Life Project, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.   (Funded by the John Templeton Foundation)
• Wong, P. T. P. (2016).  Self-transcendence: A paradoxical way to become your best .  International Journal of Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy, 6 (1). Retrieved from  http://journal.existentialpsychology.org/index.php/ExPsy/article/view/178/141
• Wong, P. T. P. (2017, May 16). Courage, faith, meaning, and mature happiness in dangerous times.  Positive Living Newsletter. http://www.drpaulwong.com/inpm-presidents-report-may-2017/
• President’s Annual Report 2023: Founder’s Vision and Last Wishes
• Editorial: A New Science of Suffering, Existential Intelligence, and the New Behavioral Economics of Happiness—Toward a General Theory of Wellbeing
• Meaning-Centered Positive Education (PE 2.0) Based on the New Paradigm of Existential Positive Psychology (EPP)
• What is the meaning of suffering?

Autobiography Questions & Prompts for Students

Writing about one’s own life can be inspiring and terrifying at the same time. No matter why you must prepare an autobiography, it allows you to get to know yourself better and become more open.

A student autobiography is one of the most commonly met types of autobiographical writing. You might need to write one when applying to a college or university. In an essay about yourself, you must catch your readers’ attention, leaving an impression of an outstanding learner and person. You’re in the right place if you are stuck preparing a student autobiography. This article will guide you through the writing process, offering autobiography questions for students together with valuable prompts.

• 70 Autobiography Questions
• 5 Exciting Prompts

70 Autobiography Questions for Students

The first thing you should remember when writing an autobiography is that all types of clichés can kill your paper. The standard scheme “was born – went to school – went to college” won’t impress anyone. However, the following autobiography quiz, which contains the most common questions, can be an effective start for brainstorming the subject.

• When and where were you born?
• Who are your family members?
• What are the most impressive of your childhood memories?
• Were there any family traditions that influenced you?
• Who were your best childhood friends?
• What was the most exciting experience of your early childhood?
• Were there any challenging experiences?
• How did your first day of school go?
• What school subject did you like most, and why?
• Can you recall a memorable teacher who influenced you?
• What was your favorite book as a child?
• Did you have a hobby as a child?
• Are there any childhood interests or hobbies that still excite you?
• Did art or music play a role in your life?
• What were your dearest childhood dreams?
• How did your dreams change when you’ve grown older?
• Do you remember a moment in your childhood when you were very proud of yourself?
• What were your most memorable trips?
• What was your most adventurous experience?
• What’s the most exotic dish you’ve tried?
• How has travel shaped your personality?
• Were there any difficult moments in life you had to overcome?
• How did you find the strength and courage to overcome them?
• What was the most spectacular failure in your life?
• What valuable lessons did you learn from your failures?
• How did your values change over the years?
• Which of your experiences influenced your personal growth most?
• Do you have any famous people you admire?
• Is there anyone among your loved ones who is a role model for you?
• Do you remember falling in love for the first time?
• Have you experienced any heartbreaks?
• How do you define love?
• Are love and relationships important in your life?
• Have you faced any relationship challenges?
• What have you learned from the relationship hardships you had?
• Have you already chosen a career path?
• Would you like to develop in one career direction all your life or change professions?
• What are your professional aspirations and goals?
• Do you have any work experience and achievements?
• How would you describe yourself?
• Do you feel that your identity has changed throughout your life?
• Is your cultural identity important to you?
• What does it mean to be true to yourself?
• Are there any milestones in your life, like awards or personal achievements?
• How did you celebrate these achievements?
• Are there any achievements that changed your aspirations and perspective?
• Do you have any experience of volunteering?
• Has your experience of giving back to your community changed your life?
• How do you imagine your life in 10, 20, 30 years?
• Is there any contribution you would like to make?
• How would you like your loved ones to remember you?
• Do you have a life motto?
• Do you have a favorite movie character?
• Who is your least favorite movie character, and why?
• How do you define success?
• What is happiness for you?
• Do you have any healthy habits or practices?
• Have you ever faced any health challenges?
• Have these challenges influenced your personality?
• Is the environment important to you?
• How do you address environmental issues that bother you?
• Do you have any experiences related to environmental activism?
• What makes you happy?
• What was the happiest moment of your life?
• Is there something you regret about?
• What did you learn from the moments you regret about?
• Were there any turning points that led your life in a new direction?
• How did you feel during these moments?
• Is it essential for you to live a meaningful life?
• How would you define the meaning of life?

5 Exciting Student Autobiography Prompts

The questions discussed above focus on the most common ingredients, which can become good building blocks for your autobiography. However, you should add some spice to your life story to prevent your readers from falling asleep.

To do this, here are 5 exclusive prompts to find topics for an autobiography that will breathe life into your memoir, making it uniquely interesting. If you’re still in a lack of ideas after reading them, check the collection of free essays on any topic imaginable.

Here are the prompts:

• Has the world changed during your life, and how do you feel about these changes? Reflect on the transformations you’ve witnessed, such as the technological advancements , the emergence of the Internet, and social networking platforms. How have these changes impacted your life, your habits, and your worldview? Share your thoughts on the topic.
• What is your contribution to the future of this planet, and how did you choose it? Consider the various ways to make a positive impact on the environment. You can focus on simple actions that everyone can perform, like reducing the use of plastic bags. Explain what motivated you to make these decisions.
• What would you tell your dear ones if you knew that you had only one day more to live on earth? What heartfelt messages would you share with your family, friends, neighbors, and all the people in the world? Use this scenario to dig deep into your values and beliefs.
• What occupation would you choose if you did not have to earn your living? Explore your passions, interests, and dreams. Imagine the ideal career path or artistic pursuit that truly resonates with your inner self.
• If you could exclaim, “ Stay moment, you are so fair! ”, would you do it? Did this special moment pass away, or do you believe it is yet to come in your future? Explain what makes these moments special and how they have shaped your life or continue to influence your journey.

Thank you for reading this article! If you wish to polish separate sections of your assignment, you are welcome to use the writing tools we’ve developed:

• Thesis statement maker
• Summary tool
• Paragraph & word changer
• Autobiography Definition, Examples, and Writing Guide
• 5 Ways to Write an Autobiography
• How to Write a Memoir
• The naked truth: how to write a memoir | Books

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Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of prologue.

A prologue is a separate introductory section that comes before the main body of a poem, novel, or play, and gives some sense as to what’s to come. There are many different ways in which the prologue may do this, such as presenting the main characters and setting in a straightforward way, explaining some background event or events, or give a sense of the theme or atmosphere of the upcoming work.

The definition of prologue is opposite to that of the epilogue , a separate section of the text that provides a conclusion and answers questions. The word prologue comes from the Greek word πρόλογος ( pró logos ), which is a compound of pro , “before” and lógos , “word.”

Difference Between Prologue, Preface, and Foreword

The sections of the prologue, preface, and foreword all come before the main body of the text, but have slightly different functions. A foreword is written by someone other than the author in order to introduce the reading audience to the text, often from a scholarly perspective. If a book had all three of the three sections, this one would come first. The preface would then come next, which is an introduction from the author that explains how the text came into being, and to whom the author would like to give gratitude.

The prologue differs from these two other forms of introduction because it is written in the same voice as the rest of the text; indeed, it is a literary addition to the text. The prologue usually occurs in a different time, and sometimes a different place, than the rest of the text, but it does contain some sense of background plot.

Common Examples of Prologue

Sometimes we provide a short prologue before launching into a story. For example:

• “I was hanging out with Sandy and Jim the other night. You know Sandy, the one who once ran a major New York magazine but declared bankruptcy after publishing scandalous photos of Leonardo DiCaprio? So anyway…”
• “I visited my aunt’s cabin last weekend. It’s the same cabin that Billy the Kid once spent a winter, and it doesn’t look or feel like much has changed there since then.”
• “I’m worried about going camping next month. Did I ever tell you about the time I went camping in the mountains of Romania and thought I saw a vampire pass by my tent?”

We also use the term “prologue” to refer to real events. For example, we might talk abut the economic crisis in Germany that was a prologue to WWII.

Significance of Prologue in Literature

Prologue examples were prevalent in Ancient Greek theater, often explaining an episode which directly led into the main events of the play about to come. The prologue in these cases provided important, pertinent information that playgoers would need to understand and contextualize the main events of the drama . Plays in the Middle Ages and in Elizabethan England drew on this tradition of prologues, and often included a short introduction presented by a character or chorus. We can find examples of prologues in many different novels, plays, and poems to this day. However, some writers caution away beginning novelists from including prologues because they do not often grip the reader as much as beginning in media res , i.e., in the middle of the action.

Examples of Prologue in Literature

Here begins the Book of the Tales of Canterbury When April with his showers sweet with fruit The drought of March has pierced unto the root And bathed each vein with liquor that has power To generate therein and sire the flower; When Zephyr also has, with his sweet breath, Quickened again, in every holt and heath, The tender shoots and buds, and the young sun Into the Ram one half his course has run, And many little birds make melody That sleep through all the night with open eye (So Nature pricks them on to ramp and rage)- Then do folk long to go on pilgrimage, And palmers to go seeking out strange strands, To distant shrines well known in sundry lands.

( The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer)

Geoffrey Chaucer included a very long “general prologue” to his famous work The Canterbury Tales . In this prologue Chaucer introduces us to the theme of people going on pilgrimage, and introduces the various people he will be going on pilgrimage with. These people end up occupying different chapters in the rest of the text.

PROLOGUE Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life; Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Do with their death bury their parents’ strife. The fearful passage of their death-mark’d love, And the continuance of their parents’ rage, Which, but their children’s end, nought could remove, Is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage; The which if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

( Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare)

Perhaps the most famous of all literary prologues, William Shakespeare wrote a lovely sonnet to introduce the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet . This prologue, a poem in itself, sets the scene in a very straightforward manner telling the audience the setting, protagonists, theme, and even what will happen at the end.

As a case history, “Lolita” will become, no doubt, a classic in psychiatric circles. As a work of art, it transcends its expiatory aspects; and still more important to us than scientific significance and literary worth, is the ethical impact the book should have on the serious reader; for in this poignant personal study there lurks a general lesson; the wayward child, the egotistic mother, the panting maniac—these are not only vivid characters in a unique story: they warn us of dangerous trends; they point out potent evils. “Lolita” should make all of us—parents, social workers, educators—apply ourselves with still greater vigilance and vision to the task of bringing up a better generation in a safer world. John Ray, Jr., Ph.D. Widworth, Mass

( Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov)

Vladimir Nabokov loved to play with conventions in his very unconventional works of literature. He creates a fake foreword for his novel Lolita by an imaginary scholar named John Ray, Jr. In this prologue, Nabokov pretends that someone else has encountered the text and is now introducing it to the reader. In so doing, Nabokov provides a clever way of introducing his text and also the theme of the untrustworthy narrator.

Parties to that settlement, including the distinguished scientific board of advisers, signed a nondisclosure agreement, and none will speak about what happened-but many of the principal figures in the “InGen incident” are not signatories, and were willing to discuss the remarkable events leading up to those final two days in August 1989 on a remote island off the west coast of Costa Rica.

( Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton)

Michael Crichton uses two prologue examples in his best-selling novel Jurassic Park . First comes a prologue, excerpted above, which seems very straightforward in style that presents the technological advances of the time period. This prologue reads almost like a news clipping, and yet sets up Crichton’s own authorial view on the possible dangers of scientific innovation. The second prologue is more literary in nature, describing a short scene in which someone has been bitten by a dinosaur, not knowing what this creature is.

Test Your Knowledge of Prologue

1. Which of the following statements is the correct prologue definition? A. An introductory section written by a different author in order to give some scholarly background. B. A separate beginning section written in the same voice and by the same author as the rest of the work. C. A final conclusive section that provides some closure.

2. Why was an example of prologue often found at the beginning of a Greek play? A. The playgoers already knew the story and needed only to be refreshed on what had happened. B. The prologue was basically useless and just took up time. C. The prologue provided pertinent information what led up to the story in question.

3. Which of the following would constitute a prologue to a novel by James Joyce? A. A separate section written by Joyce that introduces the characters and tone of the rest of the novel. B. An explanation of the influences and time period that Joyce was writing in by the contemporary Irish writer Edna O’Brien. C. A introductory section by Joyce that explains his authorial intent and thanks those who helped him in writing the novel.

A Celebration of Great Opening Lines in World Literature

Launched: January 1, 2022

This website is dedicated to the memory of John O. Huston (1945-2022)

An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know more about this.

Welcome to GreatOpeningLines.com , history’s first website devoted exclusively to the celebration of great opening lines in world literature. Even though the site is still in its infancy (it was officially “launched” on Jan. 1, 2022), it is already the world's largest online database of literary history’s greatest opening words, with 1976 current entries.

If you’re a writer or aspiring writer, an avid reader, an English teacher or creative writing instructor, a reference librarian, an editor, or simply a First Words junkie, think of this as your "Go-To" site on the subject. In addition to learning more than you now know about your current personal favorites, this site will introduce you to thousands of future favorites you might never have known about in any other way.

Be careful, though, as you begin to peruse the twenty-five “genres” below. Robert McCrum, the legendary British editor of four separate Nobel Prize laureates has warned that this "brilliant and fascinating literary site...will soon become every freelance writer's guilty pleasure."

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Jane Austen

Short Stories

"Early one June morning in 1872 I murdered my father—an act which made a deep impression on me at the time." Ambrose Bierce

Non-Fiction

"The problem lay buried, unspoken, for many years in the minds of American women." Betty Friedan

Memoirs & Autobiographies

"I didn’t realize I was black until third grade." Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Biographies

"The black eyepatch dominated Moshe Dayan’s appearance, like some dark, spidery animal wrapped around his face." Robert Slater

Essays, Articles, & Columns

"These are the times that try men's souls." Thomas Paine

Children's Literature

"All children, except one, grow up." J. M. Barrie

Young Adult (YA) Fiction

"I'd never given much thought to how I would die — though I'd had reason enough in the last few months — but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this." Stephenie Meyer

Science-Fiction

"It was a dazzling four-sun afternoon." Isaac Asimov

Speculative Fiction

"As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect." Franz Kafka

Wit, Humor, Parody, & Satire

"Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." C. Northcote Parkinson

War/Combat & Espionage/Spies

"A story has no beginning or end: arbitrarily one chooses that moment of experience from which to look back or from which, to look ahead." Graham Greene

Cowboy/Western Tales

"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." Louis L'Amour

Crime/Detective & Suspense/Thrillers

"When the guy with asthma finally came in from the fire escape, Parker rabbit-punched him and took his gun away." Richard Stark

History & Historical Fiction

"Jazz came to America three hundred years ago in chains." Paul Whiteman

Politics & Government

"A phenomenon noticeable throughout history regardless of place or period is the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests." Barbara Tuchman

Philosophy & Religion

"Man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains." Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Words/Language & Writers/Books

"Writers will happen in the best of families. No one is quite sure why." Rita Mae Brown

Medicine & Health

"You know more than you think you do." Dr. Benjamin Spock

Sports, Fitness, & Recreation

"I was born to be a point guard, but not a very good one." Pat Conroy

Psychology & Self-Help

"How do you make contact with the mind of another person?" Mortimer J. Adler

Sex, Love, Marriage, & Family

"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." Neil Postman

Travel, Food & Drink

"An oyster leads a dreadful but exciting life." M.K.F. Fisher

Science & Technology

"It is not easy to cut through a human head with a hacksaw." Michael Crichton

Race, Gender, & Ethnicity

"I have rape-colored skin." Caroline Randall Williams

Accolades & Acknowledgments

About this site.

Welcome to history’s first website devoted exclusively to the celebration of great opening lines in world literature. My goal is to make this the world's largest online database of Great Opening Lines in both Fiction and Non-Fiction. If you’re a writer or aspiring writer, an avid reader, an English teacher or creative writing instructor, a reference librarian, an editor, or simply a First Words junkie, think of this as your "Go-To" site on the subject. In addition to learning more than you now know about your current personal favorites, this site will introduce you to thousands of future favorites you might never know about in any other way.

Dr. Mardy Grothe

Become a supporter.

My goal is to make this a completely ad-free site, but this will be possible only with sufficient financial support.

To produce a world-class website, I’d appreciate any help you can provide. Become a Site Sponsor with a one-time donation at one of four sponsorship levels, indicated below.

Make checks payable to: GreatOpeningLines.com P. O. Box 802 Southern Pines, NC 28388

Or use the electronic payment options below:

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Silver sponsor, gold sponsor, platinum sponsor.

How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Examples

Top Autobiography Examples & Samples For Your Help

Published on: Sep 10, 2021

Last updated on: Feb 12, 2024

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An  autobiography  is a story of a person's life written down or told. They are interesting to read, but they can be even more interesting to write.

An autobiography is different from a biography. A biography is someone else's story about a person's life. But, an autobiography is the person's own story about their life.

This may make autobiographies more interesting to read than biographies. Also, they give the thoughts and feelings of the person rather than someone else's interpretation.

There are many different stories in the world. Uniquely telling your story is not easy. You need to describe what is happening to make the reader feel like they are right there with you.

In this blog, you will learn about some amazing examples of autobiographies. So, start reading now.

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Autobiography Examples For Students

An autobiography is the story of someone's life written by them. They might write about their hardships or success. Here are some examples of autobiographies that might inspire you to write your own.

Short Autobiography Examples

This is a good example of a creative and interesting autobiography to read. It will teach you how to write your own great autobiography.

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Autobiography essays are not easy to write. They are different from other essays because they tell the story of a person's life experiences. Every person has a lot of interesting experiences, so it can be hard to choose which ones to write about.

For your help, we compiled an example that you can use for your help and make your writing process easy.

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Only you know yourself best. Writing an autobiography is a great way to share your life with others. Everyone has a story to tell, and writing an autobiography is one way to leave your mark on history.

Here is an example that gives you a better idea of sharing your life story with others.

Autobiography Examples For College Students

An autobiography is a text that tells your life story. It can be in the form of a  memoir , which is more informal or more formal. Autobiographies can be written for different reasons:

• To introduce yourself to the world.
• To get into a program at school, for a job, volunteering, etc.

You can find more ideas for an autobiography from this example.

Note: As a college student, you might encounter confusion distinguishing between an autobiography and a statement of purpose . While both involve personal narratives, autobiographies provide a comprehensive life story, while statements of purpose focus on specific goals and qualifications for academic or professional opportunities. Understanding their distinct purposes and structures can help streamline your application processes effectively.

Autobiography Examples For High School Students

An autobiography is a self-written biography that someone writes about themselves. They might write about all of their life or just some parts. They do this to share their experiences, put them in a larger cultural or historical context, and entertain the reader.

Take a look at the below example and create a well-written one without any mistakes.

Spiritual Autobiography Examples

A spiritual autobiography is your life story. In it, you write about how God has been present in your life. This includes your journey in and out of organized religion and everything spiritual.

Writing your spiritual autobiography is a chance for you to identify specific experiences with God. You will then reflect on how those experiences have impacted you.

Below is an example for your ease.

Autobiography Examples in Literature

An autobiography is a book written by somebody about their own life. It tells the story of the author’s life, accomplishments, things they have done, etc.

The following is an example that can help you better understand how to write an autobiography.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

A cultural autobiography is more than just telling your life story. Your cultural identity reveals your beliefs and ideas about culture. It also shows how culture affects different cultural groups that make up who you are.

You may want to write a cultural autobiography better to understand yourself and your culture's role in your life. It is important to be aware of your own cultural identity in a multicultural world and be open to other cultures.

An example of a perfect cultural autobiography is below for your help.

Educational Autobiography Examples

The educational autobiography is a way to tell your life story. This type of autobiography includes what you did in school and how it affected other parts of your life.

Take a look at this example to see how to write a good educational autobiography.

Social Class Autobiography Examples

In most sociology classes, students are assigned to write a socio-autobiography. This assignment helps them understand that the subject is relevant to their daily lives. Your interactions with society have a big impact on who you become as a person.

Writing your social class autobiography is a great way to show people how you fit into society. The following example will show what kind of social autobiography looks like.

Autobiography Examples For Kids

Children are often encouraged to write an autobiography, but few people recognize the importance of this task. Everyone has something special from their childhood that they should remember and reflect on. Writing about your life is a good way to do this.

There are many different ways to write an autobiography. If you are writing about yourself, it is best to start by writing about your early life and work experience.

You can also mention your school experiences. After that, you can write about other topics that may be of interest to readers, like your hobbies or interests.

Here is an example that will help in starting an autobiography.

We all have the opportunity to write our own story, but it doesn't always come easy. If writing about yourself seems difficult, then follow the examples mentioned above.

However, if you want a professional writer to write it for you, just say ' write an essay for me ' and consult a professional at CollegeEssay.org .

We have expert writers who will help you write an autobiography, personal narrative, college essay, and any academic assignment.

AI essay writing tools are also readily available to provide you with additional assistance and support.

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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• Literary Terms
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write a Prologue

I. What is a Prologue?

Some works of literature start with a prologue (pronounced PRO-log), a short introductory section that gives background information or sets the stage for the story to come. The prologue is usually pretty short, maybe a few pages (five minutes or so in a film). But it may be the most important section of the story, and if readers skip it they may be lost for the entire story.

Not every opening scene is a prologue – prologues must specifically they explain or set the stage for what happens next. Many films and novels just start with the events of the story and don’t have any prologue at all.

II. Examples of Prologue

Los Angeles, 2029: The machines rose from the ashes of the nuclear fire. Their war to exterminate mankind had raged for decades, but the final battle would not be fought in the future. It would be fought here, in our present. Tonight… (Terminator)

The movie Terminator opens with a short but exciting prologue that shows the world of the future. This prologue prepares the audience for the entire movie, explaining the war between humans and machines and its basis on time travel. The later Terminator movies expand on this with their own prologues about Los Angeles in 2029.

What’s past is prologue. (William Shakespeare, The Tempest)

This has become a pretty common expression meaning “the past sets the stage ” or “the past introduces the themes ” for the present. Just like the prologue of a film, the past helps us understand what’s going on in the present, and if you look carefully, the past will give you a lot of clues as to what will happen in the future.

III. The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Prologue

There’s a lot that depends on the prologue! It sets the tone and prepares the audience for the entire story, so if it’s not well-written it can really damage the entire story. For this reason, many writers choose to skip the prologue altogether. (Though this, of course, has its own drawbacks!) Basically, the pros and cons of writing a prologue are:

• Makes story less confusing
• May be exciting
• Requires exposition later in the story (see How to Write a Prologue)
• Slows down the story
• Causes awkward transition from prologue to main story
• May cause information overload

If you do decide to write a prologue, keep these pros and cons in mind and try to write a prologue that avoids the cons and emphasizes the pros.

IV. Examples of Prologue  in Literature

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Two households, both alike in dignity (In fair Verona, where we lay our scene), From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet )

These are the opening lines to the prologue of Romeo and Juliet . Notice how much information Shakespeare gives us in just these lines: we find out that there’s a feud between two households, that the play is set in Verona, and that things are about to come to a head in the form of some “new mutiny.” We even get a sense of ominous events on the horizon as the “unclean hands” suggest foul play, perhaps even murder…

The book Stranger in a Strange Land has a prologue set much earlier than the main story. The book is about human beings living on Mars, with a main character who was born there and raised by aliens. But the prologue looks all the way back to the first rocket ship that ever traveled from Earth to Mars, setting the stage for all the events that happen there.

V. Examples of Prologue  in Pop Culture

The following is an interactive 360 video of the Star Wars prologues (from episode I to VI)

Once upon a time in a far away land, a young prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the prince was spoiled, selfish and unkind. But then one winter’s night, an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away. But she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within. And when he dismissed her again, the old woman’s ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. The prince tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart.

The prologue in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast tells the story of how the prince was cursed and transformed into a beast. This prologue helps the audience understand what happens throughout the story – without it, we wouldn’t know the Beast’s story or why he was so desperate to earn Belle’s love.

Once upon a time In a far-off kingdom There lay a small village At the edge of the woods

The opening scene of Into the Woods is a prologue. This prologue helps the audience quickly understand the issues the characters are facing.

VI. Related Terms

A prologue tells you what happened before the main story; an epilogue tells you what happened after . Sometimes, for example, a movie will end by showing various characters on screen and telling you what happened to them: this character is in prison, this character got married and is living in Montana, etc. Epilogues put a cap on the story and give readers a sense of closure.

Prologues are often used for exposition – that is, they explain by giving readers some background information about what’s happening in the story. A prologue sets the stage and lets readers know how things got the way they are. However, exposition doesn’t have to be in the prologue. More often, this information is explained later on as the story progresses. For example, imagine you’re writing a story about World War II: you could include a prologue explaining the historical context, or you could write a scene in which two characters discuss what’s been happening in the world, so that the reader gets the same information, just less directly.

Preface/Foreword

Although they both occur at the beginning of a literary work, a prologue is different from a preface (also called a “foreword”). A prologue is written by the author and forms part of the story; a foreword or preface may be written by the author or someone else , and it’s more of a commentary on the story rather than a part of it.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website