Autobiographical fiction, also called autofiction, is a type of writing that mixes real life experiences with imagination. Usually , an autobiography tells a true story about a person’s life, while fiction is made-up storytelling. Autofiction blurs these lines by using real events but changing names, places, or details to create a more creative narrative. This mix helps writers express deeper feelings and thoughts that pure facts might not fully capture, showing that our memories and sense of self are complex and sometimes difficult to explain just with facts.

The term “autofiction” was first used by Serge Doubrovsky, who saw it not as a contradiction but as a way to write about real life while accepting that our memories and selves are influenced by language and perception. His works discuss  his own life, but avoid pretending to give an exact truth. Instead, they reveal how stories about ourselves are shaped by how we remember and tell them. Many other writers have followed his idea to create stories that combine true life with fictional elements, allowing them to explore their identity and experiences more honestly.

A clear example of this blending is Carmen Maria Machado’s memoir In the Dream House. She tells a real story about abuse in a queer relationship, but she uses a made-up “Dream House” as a symbol and a storytelling space. Some chapters even take the form of fairy tales or different fictional styles. This approach helps readers understand complex emotions and experiences that might be overlooked or misunderstood if told as a straightforward factual memoir. By mixing fiction with truth, Machado gives voice to complex subjects like psychological abuse that don’t always fit traditional stories or evidence.

This mixing of autobiography and fiction affects readers both emotionally and ethically. It encourages readers to think beyond just “what really happened” and connect with the emotional truths behind the story. While some readers might wonder what parts are real or made-up, the emotional impact and deeper meanings remain powerful. This blend also challenges the idea that a story must be purely factual to be valuable or truthful. Instead, autofiction opens new ways for storytelling that better reflect the complexities of life, memory, and identity.

Reference:

Gronemann, Claudia. "Autofiction." (2019): 241-246.

Content Writer: Della Aulia Feronica

Editor: Florenia Neve Suryani