Question

Is it all right to tell a "white lie" or two in a biography or autobiography in order to protect someone's reputation or to make a story more inspiring? Is it acceptable to exaggerate to make the story more interesting? Can you think of other examples?

Answer 1

Whether alright or not, it is is common practice. Another example is omission; refraining from including some details.

Answer 2

Generally, it would be OK to protect another's privacy or reputation. In that case, there's often a disclaimer stating that details have been changed or omitted. Inspiring? By lying? Probably not a good idea.

Answer 3

You also have to consider the audience of your writing. How easily will they be able to find the inconsistency? A professor once told me you can lie as much as you please in your writings as long as you don't get caught -a much harder task than it appears.