Biographies offer readers a unique insight into the lives of others. Some biographies are supportive, while others are critical. Some look at a life through a political perspective, while others are told through the context of history and particular circumstances. However, as the story is told, the conclusion of the biography should offer readers a sense of closure. If you describe the impact and cultural or political legacy of the character, add personal data and support your main thesis, you can write a successful conclusion for a biography.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remind the reader of the importance of the character
Step 1. Summarize the character's most outstanding actions
The conclusion of a biography should remind the reader of the character's accomplishments or actions. Briefly describe your best accomplishments so that the reader can remember why learning about your life is beneficial.
For example, a conclusion in the biography of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra should mention that he wrote several novels, some of which are considered among the outstanding and influential works of Spanish literature
Step 2. Describe the impact of the character
It is important to describe the impact the character had during his life. If your actions led to political reform, describe the laws, changes, or conflicts that occurred because of those actions. If you made major social changes, mention how your actions changed the cultural mindset.
A biography of Martin Luther, the 16th century monk who led the Protestant Reformation, should mention his impact on the development of religious belief throughout Europe. Not only did he challenge the ruling Catholic Church, but he also made the Bible more accessible to all people and not just the clergy. One conclusion should mention that his actions influenced religious beliefs during the Renaissance
Step 3. Write about the character's legacy
If the character's work, actions, or opinions had a far-reaching influence that impacted future generations, mention that in the conclusion. Perhaps your work has led to the development of laws that are still used today, or perhaps your views helped eradicate unjust social norms.
- For example, a biography of Susan B. Anthony might mention that her actions and beliefs influenced generations of women and the continuing fight for gender equality.
- A conclusion from Albert Einstein's biography could mention that his theories and publications influenced the development of quantum theory and generations of scientists working to unify their theories of the universe.
- A biography of author Upton Sinclair could mention that his novel "The Jungle" influenced the American public health system and helped create laws to regulate the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Method 2 of 3: Include Personal Details
Step 1. Humanize the character
Sometimes reading about important or influential figures can make the character seem estranged from the reader. Use the conclusion to briefly mention personal details, stories, or stories that you mentioned throughout the bio. Indicating these personal details in the conclusion can make the character more accessible to the reader.
Write about how she loved visiting her grandmother, or mention that her favorite place was a quiet cabin in the mountains
Step 2. List your challenges
As the reader reads a biography, they may forget that each character has had to overcome their own personal difficulties and struggles. If a character was heavily influenced by a personal tragedy or if he was fired from various jobs during his life, consider also mentioning that in the conclusion.
The late Nelson Mandela led an influential, prominent and successful life as a former South African president and activist. While he won many awards and honors, he admitted that he was not a very good student when trying to get a law degree. In this way, a reader could better understand that Nelson Mandela had to work hard during his life
Step 3. Describe your hobbies or passions
If the character's hobbies, passions, or interests played a role in your life, add that to the conclusion. Perhaps reading a few particular books inspired you to write your own popular novel, or perhaps your love for animals inspired you to work to protect endangered animals. Weave your personal interests into the conclusion by acknowledging how those interests influenced your work or life decisions.
Method 3 of 3: Put it all together
Step 1. Recap your key points
Your thesis (or a main point or claim) probably guided the way you organized the bio. To remind the reader of your thesis, summarize the key points within the conclusion. Reminding the reader of your thought process will help present stronger arguments for your thesis and help them understand the purpose of the bio.
Briefly remind the audience of the key points that influenced your thesis. Maybe the character moved around a lot when he was a kid and you think his best-selling novels were influenced by that detail. Indicate that the main character in the novel is frequently on the move and that this was the basis of your thesis
Step 2. Refrain from introducing new ideas or details
Don't use the conclusion to add new details, facts, or stories that you didn't mention in the bio. Adding new information at this point could confuse the reader or leave them with an unanswered question. Focus on referencing the information you already mentioned.
Step 3. Cite brief examples to support your thesis
The main idea of the biography should be reinforced and supported in the conclusion. Briefly remind the reader of the evidence you provided in the bio. Use the themes, patterns, or messages from the bio to support your thesis.
- If you considered that the character's actions later in his life were the result of his experiences during the war, briefly restate which important decisions you think were affected. Perhaps you participated in anti-war protests, founded an organization that promotes peace, and worked to defend human rights. Take note that their actions revolved around the establishment of peace.
- Remind the reader of what makes the character unique or special and the events in his life that demonstrate these qualities.
Step 4. Use direct quotes from the character to strengthen your thesis
Obtain quotes from letters, interviews, or essays from the character to support your thesis or your belief in their impact. Pick a relevant quote, but don't take one out of context just to add strength to your thesis.
Step 5. Avoid using transition phrases
Avoid including phrases like "in conclusion", "therefore" and "finally" in your conclusion. Phrases like these could make the reader feel like the ending is abrupt and rushed. Try to leave it with an ending that seems natural.
Instead of saying "in conclusion," try to give the reader a subtle transition. Conclude by saying something like "Due to the magic and popularity of his novels, I believe that J. K. Rowling will continue to influence young readers for generations to come."
Step 6. Provide closure
Provide the reader with a satisfying and rewarding conclusion by offering a sense of closure. Review the opening scene of the biography so that the reader can experience it again since at that point they will have more information. Reiterate a key event, important post, or central achievement that encompasses your life story.