The epilogue of an autobiography: what is the proper format?

Question

I don't know what to write it about. Here is the task outline that my instructor has given us:

Pretend for a second that you have no idea who bought this portfolio. It is read in its entirety by the stranger. How does this outsider see the author's work? It seems like these pages were completed by what kind of person? From the vantage point of an outsider, create a character portrait of the person shown on these pages. Provide examples of your work to back up the stranger's impression of the author (who is, of course, basketball stars).

My writing lacks originality, and I have trouble coming up with ideas.

Answer 1

For this epilogue, think of it as a final reflection—almost like an outsider stumbling upon your work and forming an impression of the person who wrote it. Since your portfolio is about basketball stars, you want to craft a character portrait that aligns with themes of dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game.

Format of the Epilogue

1. Introduction – Start with the idea of the portfolio being discovered by a stranger. Who is this mysterious author? What do their writings reveal about them?
2. Character Portrait – Describe the “author” based on their work. Are they deeply passionate about basketball? Do they admire discipline and resilience? Provide examples from your writing that reveal these traits.
3. Final Reflection – What lasting impression does the author leave? Does their love for the game go beyond just admiration—perhaps influencing their own life philosophy? End with a thought-provoking statement about what their words reveal.

Example Opening

“As I turn the pages of this portfolio, I find myself piecing together the identity of its author. This is someone who doesn’t just watch basketball—they breathe it, analyze it, and live through its victories and heartbreaks. Their words reveal a deep respect for the game’s greatest players, but more than that, they admire the relentless pursuit of greatness. They write with the awe of a fan and the precision of a scholar, highlighting not just stats, but the sheer willpower it takes to reach the top.”

Answer 2

As far as ideas, I would try to go through your works with fresh eyes, and then highlight & compile themes that you notice recurring in your works. This would help inform what an outside party would notice - then, consider what that would cause the outside party to assume. For example, if you reference basketball with a lot of statistics but not much anecdotal content, they could infer that you are a fan of basketball but don’t necessarily play it yourself. Try to find a few of these themes & analyze them as such, and that should give you a framework to begin with.

Answer 3

Hi there,

Perhaps these prompts could help you with developing ideas for your assignment:

1. Based on what’s in your portfolio, how might a stranger describe you? Are you determined? Reflective? Ambitious? Humble?
2. Think of specific parts of your writing...maybe a story about a game, a reflection on a challenge, or how you describe your goals.
3. Is there a consistent theme in your work? Are you focused on growth, resilience, teamwork, or maybe discipline?
4. What makes this stranger curious to know more about the author?

Good luck! :)