How do biographers reveal a subject’s motives and personality?

Biographers reveal a subject’s motives and personality by moving beyond a simple chronological list of facts to interpret the "shape" of a life. This process involves several approaches:1

• Psychological Analysis: Since the 20th century, many biographers have employed psychological theories to unlock personality. This ranges from explicit use of behavioral symbols and archetypes to more subtle presentations of behavior that suggest psychological interpretations.1
• Selection and Design: As a branch of literature, biography requires the imaginative ordering of materials. By grouping events and highlighting major patterns of behavior, biographers can reveal grand themes and the attitudes leading to moments of high decision, rather than just reproducing the clutter of daily life.2
• Source Evaluation: Whether dealing with a scarcity of records for historical figures or an abundance of data for modern subjects, biographers must rigorously test the authenticity of their evidence. When a subject is living, the biographer may also incorporate direct impressions and interviews to cross-examine the subject's own perspective against other sources.31

Ultimately, the biographer’s goal is to transform plain information into an illumination of the subject's inner life while maintaining a commitment to truth.2