How did Plutarch distinguish biography from history?

Plutarch explicitly distinguished biography from history, never claiming to be a historian himself. While historical writing often focuses on broad political or military narratives, Plutarch’s biographical approach was fundamentally that of a moralist.12

His primary aim was to edify and delight the reader by providing model patterns of behavior. To achieve this, he focused on the character and ethical reflections of his subjects rather than strictly chronological or political accounts. His works, such as the Parallel Lives, were structured to highlight noble deeds and personal traits, often incorporating anecdotes and personal sympathies that a traditional historian might exclude. By prioritizing the moral development and character of his subjects, Plutarch utilized biography as a tool for ethical instruction rather than a record of historical events.213