Why is a biography written in past tense?

Answer 1

A biography is an account of a persons life written by someone else, therefore it is always written in the past tense. Biographies are about things that have happened in the past not about future events.

Answer 2

A biography is typically written in past tense to create a sense of distance between the author, the subject, and the events being described. It helps to emphasize that the events occurred at a specific point in the past and are now being recounted by the author. This approach can enhance the storytelling aspect of the biography and provide a more objective perspective on the subject's life.

Answer 3

It is easier to do so, however you are overlooking science fiction which may be written in a present or past tense but portraying a time in the future.