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The design and content of biographical infoboxes must follow Wikipedia's verifiability policy, as well as infobox and biographical style guideline. All content displayed in this template must adhere to the biographies of living persons policy if applicable. Unsourced or poorly sourced contentious material must be removed immediately from the article and its infobox, especially if potentially libellous.

This template is used on approximately 40,000 pages and changes may be widely noticed. Test changes in the template's /sandbox or /testcases subpages, or in your own user subpage. Consider discussing changes on the talk page before implementing them.

This template adds an automatically generated short description. If the automatic short description is not optimal, replace it by adding ((Short description)) at the top of the article.

This template uses Lua:

Infobox writer may be used to summarize information about a person who is a writer/author (includes screenwriters).

If the writer-specific fields here are not needed, consider using the more general ((Infobox person)); other infoboxes there can be found in Category:People and person infobox templates.

This template may also be used as a module (or sub-template) of ((Infobox person)); see WikiProject Infoboxes/embed for guidance on such usage.

Syntax

(({honorific_prefix))} (({name))} (({honorific_suffix))}
[[File:(({image))}\|(({image_size))}\|alt=(({alt))}\|upright=(({image_upright))}\|(({caption))}]] (({caption))}
Native name	(({native_name))}
Born	(({birth_name))} (({birth_date))} (({birth_place))}
Died	(({death_date))} (({death_place))}
Resting place	(({resting_place))}
Pen name	(({pseudonym))}
Occupation	(({occupation))}
Language	(({language))}
Nationality	(({nationality))}
Citizenship	(({citizenship))}
Education	(({education))}
Alma mater	(({alma_mater))}
Period	(({period))}
Genre	(({genre))} or (({genres))}
Subject	(({subject))} or (({subjects))}
Literary movement	(({movement))}
Years active	(({years_active))}
Notable works	(({notable_works))}
Notable awards	(({awards))}
Spouse	(({spouse))} or (({spouses))}
Partner	(({partner))} or (({partners))}
Children	(({children))}
Relatives	(({relatives))}
(({signature_type))}
[[File:(({signature))} \|(({signature_size))}\|alt=(({signature_alt))}\|upright=0.72]]
(({module))}
Website
(({website))}
Literature portal

The infobox may be added by pasting the template as shown below into an article. All fields are optional. Any unused parameter names can be left blank or omitted.

((Infobox writer
| embed            = 
| honorific_prefix = 
| name             = 
| honorific_suffix = 
| image            = 
| image_size       = 
| image_upright    = 
| landscape        = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| alt              = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software -->
| caption          = 
| native_name      = 
| native_name_lang = 
| pseudonym        = 
| birth_name       = <!-- only use if different from name -->
| birth_date       = <!-- ((Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD)) for living people supply only the year with ((Birth year and age|YYYY)) unless the exact date is already widely published, as per [[WP:DOB]]. For people who have died, use ((Birth date|YYYY|MM|DD)). -->
| birth_place      = 
| death_date       = <!-- ((Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD)) (DEATH date then BIRTH date) -->
| death_place      = 
| resting_place    = 
| occupation       = 
| language         = 
| nationality      = <!-- use only when necessary per [[WP:INFONAT]] -->
| citizenship      = <!-- use only when necessary per [[WP:INFONAT]] -->
| education        = 
| alma_mater       = 
| period           = 
| genre            = <!-- or: | genres = -->
| subject          = <!-- or: | subjects = -->
| movement         = 
| notable_works    = 
| spouse           = <!-- or: | spouses = -->
| partner          = <!-- or: | partners = -->
| children         = 
| relatives        = 
| awards           = 
| signature        = 
| signature_alt    = 
| signature_size   = 
| signature_type   = 
| years_active     = 
| module           = 
| website          = <!-- ((URL|example.org)) -->
| portaldisp       = <!-- "on", "yes", "true", etc.; or omit -->
))

((Infobox writer
| embed            = 
| honorific_prefix = 
| name             = 
| honorific_suffix = 
| image            = 
| image_size       = 
| image_upright    = 
| landscape        = 
| alt              = 
| caption          = 
| native_name      = 
| native_name_lang = 
| pseudonym        = 
| birth_name       = 
| birth_date       = 
| birth_place      = 
| death_date       = 
| death_place      = 
| resting_place    = 
| occupation       = 
| language         = 
| nationality      = 
| citizenship      = 
| education        = 
| alma_mater       = 
| period           = 
| genre            = 
| subject          = 
| movement         = 
| notable_works    = 
| spouse           = 
| partner          = 
| children         = 
| relatives        = 
| awards           = 
| signature        = 
| signature_alt    = 
| signature_size   = 
| signature_type   = 
| years_active     = 
| module           = 
| website          = 
| portaldisp       = 
))

Parameters

Please remove any parameters from an article's infobox that are unlikely to be used.

All parameters are optional.

Unless otherwise specified, if a parameter has multiple values, they should be comma-separated using the ((Cslist)) template:

|language=((Cslist|French|Spanish|English))

which produces:

|language=

French
Spanish
English

If any of the individual values contain commas already, add |semi=true to use semi-colons as separators:

which produces:

|pseudonym=

Smith, Bob
DaveyJones
Adams, Fred

For more information, see Template:Infobox person#Inline lists.

Parameter	Explanation
name	Insert name of the person. Use the common name, typically name of article. If omitted it defaults to the name of the article; if present but blank, the header is omitted. Note: Do not add icons or other images.
embed	Set to "yes" if embedded in another infobox template.
honorific_prefix	Honorifics that go before the name, e.g. "Lady", "Sir"
honorific_suffix	Honorifics that go after the name, e.g. "MBE"
image	Insert image name. Use only the file name such as abc.jpg, xyz.png, 123.gif, etc. Do not use syntax such as [[File:abc.jpg]] or [[File:abc.jpg\|200px]] Only free-content images are allowed for depicting living people. Non-free and "fair use" images, e.g., promo photos, CD/DVD covers, posters, screen captures, etc., will be deleted. See WP:NONFREE.
image_upright	Scales the image thumbnail from its default size by the given factor. Values less than 1 scale the image down (0.9 = 90%) and values greater than 1 scale the image up (1.15 = 115%).
image_size	Size to display image: 200px (set width), or 200x300px (max width & max height). This defaults to 200px if empty or omitted.
landscape	Set to "yes" when using wide, short images. The image height (rather than width) will be limited to 200 pixels.
alt	The alt attribute for the image, for readers who cannot see the image. See WP:ALT.
caption	Caption for the image. Try to include the date the image was created.
native_name	Name in local language. Use `((Plainlist))` for multiple values (see information at Template:Infobox person#Inline lists).
native_name_lang	A language tag, e.g. "fr" for French. If more than one, use ((lang)) inside native_name instead
pseudonym	Any of the person's aliases or pen names. Use `((Cslist))` for multiple values (see information at the top of this section).
nickname	Nickname(s) other than pen names.
birth_name	Insert person's name at birth (or christening if name at birth is unavailable).
birth_date	Insert the person's birth date if known as: month day, year or day month year as appropriate. For a living person consider using: `((Birth date and age\|year of birth\|month of birth\|day of birth))` Otherwise use: `((Birth date\|year of birth\|month of birth\|day of birth))`. In either case, add `\|df=yes` to show date as day before month; otherwise format is month before day.
birth_place	Insert the person's place of birth if known as: town, city, state, country. Note: Do not add flag icons to the birthplace. See: Wikipedia:Manual of Style (flags).
death_date	Note: Using this field will also change the background display color of the name at the top of the infobox to silver. If the person is still living, leave this parameter blank. Insert the person's date of death if known as: month day, year or day month year as appropriate. When the full birth date and death date are known, use the following: `((Death date and age\|yr died\|mo died\|da died\|yr born\|mo born\|da born))` Add `\|df=yes` to show date as day before month; otherwise format is month before day. example ((Death date and age\|2024\|03\|21\|1950\|12\|31\|df=yes)) output display results 21 March 2024(2024-03-21) (aged 73) When only the birth and death years are known, use: ((Death year and age\|year died\|year born)) example ((Death year and age\|2024\|1950)) output display results 2024 (aged 73–74) When only the birth month, birth year and death year are known, use: birth month, ((Death year and age\|year died\|year born)) example March, ((Death year and age\|2024\|1950)) output display results March, 2024 (aged 73–74) When only the death year is known, use: death year example 2024 output display results 2024 When the date of death is unknown, but the person is certainly now dead use the following (case is insensitive): example unknown output display results date of death unknown When the date of death is unknown, and it is preferable not to display anything and just change the background display color of the infobox. Enter the following (case is insensitive): example died output display results nothing will be displayed. When the date of death is only known approximately. Preface the entry with a wikilink [[Circa\|c. ]] or c. examples [[Circa\|c.]] ((Death year and age\|2024\|1950)) [[Circa\|c.]] year died output display results c. 2024 (aged 73–74) c. 2024
death_place	Insert the person's place of death if known as: town, city, state, country. Note: Do not add flag icons to the deathplace. See: Wikipedia:Manual of Style (flags).
resting_place	Place of burial, ash-scattering, etc.
occupation	Insert the type of person: novelist, short story person, journalist, etc. Use `((Cslist))` for multiple values (see information at the top of this section).
language	Language of published writings.
nationality	Nationality of person, use only when necessary per WP:INFONAT.
citizenship	Citizenship of person., use only when necessary per WP:INFONAT.
education
alma_mater	The alma mater, or college or universities where the person studied. If more than one, indicate ones where they obtained their degree(s) or graduated from.
period	Dates from first publication to last publication.
genre	Fiction persons: All genres that the person wrote in. Use `((Cslist))` for multiple values (see information at the top of this section).
subject	Non-fiction persons: All subjects that the person wrote about. Use `((Cslist))` for multiple values (see information at the top of this section).
movement	Insert the literary movement associated with or involving the person. Use `((Cslist))` for multiple values (see information at the top of this section).
notable_works	Names of notable works (WP:NN). Use `((Unbulleted list))` for multiple values (see information at Template:Infobox person#Inline lists). If there is a dispute between editors over what is or is not a notable work, it should be brought up on the article's talk page. If no consensus can be developed for a particular person, the notable_works parameter should be marked with: <!-- Please do not add notable works to this article. See talk page as mutual consensus could not be achieved on this article. -->
spouse	Name of spouse(s), followed by years of marriage. Use the format Name (1950–present) for current spouse and Name (1970–1999) for former spouse(s). Use `((Plainlist))` for multiple values (see information at Template:Infobox person#Inline lists).
partner	Name of long-term unmarried partner(s) (e.g., domestic partner). Use `((Plainlist))` for multiple values (see information at Template:Infobox person#Inline lists).
children	Number of children (e.g., 3), or list of children names. Use `((Plainlist))` for multiple values (see information at Template:Infobox person#Inline lists).
relatives	Names of parents, siblings or other relatives; include only if they are independently notable or particularly relevant. Include the relationship in parentheses after the name (father, sister, uncle, etc.). Use `((Plainlist))` for multiple values (see information at Template:Infobox person#Inline lists).
parents	Names of parents; include only if they are independently notable or particularly relevant. This parameter may be used for biological, adoptive, foster, or step-parents. Use `((Unbulleted list))` for multiple values (see information at Template:Infobox person#Inline lists).
influences	No longer supported. Please move cited/citable instances into prose.
influenced	No longer supported. Please move cited/citable instances into prose.
awards	Insert any notable awards the person has won. Consider using the template: `((Awards\|award\|year\|title\|role))` Use `((Plainlist))` for multiple values (see information at Template:Infobox person#Inline lists). Note: Do not add icons or other images.
signature	An image of the person's signature. Image is displayed at a width of 128px, same format as ((Infobox person)), ((Infobox officeholder)) and ((Infobox philosopher)).
signature_type	Changes the Signature label to the preferred argument, such as Seal
signature_size	Default is `150px`. If necessary, a signature can be resized manually as per the `\|image_size=` parameter.
signature_alt	Alternative text for signature. Write out the signature exactly as it appears in the image, including punctuation. For accessibility.
years_active	Date range in years during which the subject was active in their principal occupation(s) and/or other activity for which they are notable. Use the format 1950–2000, or 1970–present if still active (note the use of an en dash, not hyphen). If no dates of birth and/or death are known for the subject, only a floruit date range, as is common with ancient subjects, this parameter can be used for it. If approximate (circa) dates are known for either or both, put them in the birth_date and death_date parameters.
module	Used for embedding other infoboxes into this one.
website	If the person has an official website enter it here. Do not enter unofficial, blogs or fan websites. Only one official website is allowed. If the person has more than one official website, only the most prominent should be listed in the infobox. All other websites should be listed in the article under ==External links==. Use ((URL)) as in ((URL\|ExampleCompany.com)). Do not include the "http[s]://" or "www." parts unless the server requires it. Use camel case capitalization to make multiword domain names easier to read.
portaldisp	This is an optional parameter to display the literature portal link at the bottom of the infobox. Leaving this parameter blank will cause the literature portal link not to display. Setting this parameter to yes or y (case is insensitive) will display the literature portal link. Literature portal If there is a dispute between editors over whether this parameter should be used in the article, it should be brought up on the article's talk page. If no consensus can be developed for a particular person, the portaldisp parameter should be marked with: <!-- Please do not use this parameter in this article. See talk page as mutual consensus could not be achieved on this article. -->

Use as a child template

The embed parameter is used when embedding this infobox into another.

This infobox may be used to create a genre-specific section within ((Infobox person)) (or similar biographical infobox templates) for cases where a person may be notable in more than one field; a generic example is shown below. For guidance on usage, see Wikipedia:Infobox modules. Also see the Template:Infobox documentation which explains embedding and subboxes.

((Infobox person
 | name = 
 | image = 
 | caption = 
 | birth_date = 
 | birth_place = 
 | <nowiki><!--</nowiki> ''[[et cetera|etc.]]'' <nowiki>--></nowiki>
 | module = 
   <nowiki>((</nowiki>(({1|(({template|<includeonly>((BASEPAGENAME))</includeonly><noinclude>EMBEDDED TEMPLATE NAME</noinclude>)))))) | ((#if:(({parameter|))} | (({parameter))}=yes | child=yes <nowiki><!--</nowiki> ''or'' embed=yes ''or'' subbox=yes <nowiki>--></nowiki>))
   | (({2|(({example_parameter1|parameter-1)))))) = 
   | (({3|(({example_parameter2|parameter-2)))))) = 
   | (({4|(({example_parameter3|parameter-3)))))) = 
   | (({5|(({example_parameter4|parameter-4)))))) = 
   | <nowiki><!--</nowiki> ''etc.'' <nowiki>--></nowiki>
   ))
 ))

TemplateData

This is the TemplateData for this template used by TemplateWizard, VisualEditor and other tools. See a monthly parameter usage report for Template:Infobox writer in articles based on its TemplateData.

TemplateData for Infobox writer

TemplateData

Infobox writer may be used to summarize information about a person who is a writer/author (includes screenwriters).

Template parameters[Edit template data]
This template has custom formatting.
Parameter		Description	Type	Status
Name	`name`	Insert name of the person. Use the common name, typically name of article. If omitted it defaults to the name of the article; if present but blank, the header is omitted. Note: Do not add icons or other images.	String	suggested
Embedded	`embed`	Set to 'yes' if embedded in another infobox template. Suggested values `Yes`	String	optional
Honorific (prefix)	`honorific_prefix`	Honorifics that go before the name, e.g. 'Lady', 'Sir', 'Dr'.	String	optional
Honorific (suffix)	`honorific_suffix`	Honorifics that go after the name, e.g. 'MBE'.	String	optional
Native name	`native_name`	Name of the writer in his native languages(s). Use ((Plainlist)) for multiple values.	String	optional
Native name language	`native_name_lang`	A language tag e.g. 'fr' for French. If more than one, use ((lang)) inside native_name instead	String	optional
Image	`image`	Image of the writer. Insert image name. Use only the file name such as abc.jpg, xyz.png, 123.gif, etc. Do not use syntax such as [[File:abc.jpg]] or [[File:abc.jpg\|200px]] Only free-content images are allowed for depicting living people. Non-free and "fair use" images, e.g., promo photos, CD/DVD covers, posters, screen captures, etc., will be deleted. See WP:NONFREE.	File	suggested
Image size	`image_size` `image size` `imagesize`	Size to display image. Default 200px if empty or omitted. Example Format: 250px (set width), or 200x300px (max width & max height).	String	optional
Image upright	`image_upright`	Scales the image thumbnail from its default size by the given factor. Values less than 1 scale the image down (0.9 = 90%) and values greater than 1 scale the image up (1.15 = 115%).	String	optional
Landscape	`landscape`	Set to 'yes' when using wide, short images. The image height (rather than width) will be limited to 200 pixels.	Boolean	optional
Image alternative text	`alt`	The alt attribute for the image, for readers who cannot see the image. See WP:ALT.	String	optional
Image caption	`caption` `image caption` `image_caption`	Caption for the image. Try to include the date the image was created.	String	suggested
Pseudonym	`pseudonym`	Any of the person's aliases or pen names. Use ((Cslist)) for multiple values	String	optional
Birth name	`birth_name`	Insert person's name at birth (or christening if name at birth is unavailable).	String	optional
Birth date	`birth_date`	Insert the person's birth date if known as: month day, year or day month year as appropriate. For a living person consider using: ((Birth date and age\|year of birth\|month of birth\|day of birth)) Otherwise use: ((Birth date\|year of birth\|month of birth\|day of birth)). In either case, add \|df=yes to show date as day before month; otherwise format is month before day.	Line	suggested
Birth place	`birth_place`	Insert the person's place of birth if known as: town, city, state, country. Note: Do not add flag icons to the birthplace.	String	optional
Death date	`death_date`	If the person is still living, leave this parameter blank. Insert the person's date of death if known as: month day, year or day month year as appropriate. When the full birth date and death date are known, use the following: ((Death date and age\|yr died\|mo died\|da died\|yr born\|mo born\|da born)) - See template page for more details about formatting options.	Line	suggested
Death place	`death_place`	Insert the person's place of death if known as: town, city, state, country. Note: Do not add flag icons to the deathplace.	String	optional
Resting place	`resting_place`	Place of writer's grave or ash scattering	String	optional
Occupation	`occupation`	Insert the type of person: novelist, short story person, journalist, etc. Use ((Cslist)) for multiple values	String	suggested
Language	`language`	Language of published writings	String	optional
Nationality	`nationality`	Nationality of writer, use only when necessary per [[WP:INFONAT]]	String	optional
Citizenship	`citizenship`	Writer's country of citizenship	String	optional
Education	`education`	no description	String	optional
Alma mater	`alma_mater`	University or school that writer attended. If more than one, indicate ones where they obtained their degree(s) or graduated from.	String	optional
Home town	`home_town`	Place where the person was raised and matured	String	optional
Period	`period`	Dates from first publication to last publication	Line	suggested
Genre	`genre`	Use for fiction writers: All genres that the person wrote in. Use ((Cslist)) for multiple values	String	optional
Subject	`subject`	Use for non-fiction writers: All subjects that the person wrote about. Use ((Cslist)) for multiple values	String	suggested
Movement	`movement`	Insert the literary movement associated with or involving the person. Use ((Cslist)) for multiple values	String	optional
Notable works	`notable_works` `notableworks`	Names of notable works (see WP:NN). Use ((Unbulleted list)) for multiple values.	String	suggested
Spouse	`spouse`	Name of spouse(s), followed by years of marriage. Use the format Name (1950–present) for current spouse and Name (1970–1999) for former spouse(s). Use ((Plainlist)) for multiple values.	String	optional
Partner	`partner`	Name of long-term unmarried partner(s) (e.g., domestic partner). Use ((Plainlist)) for multiple values.	String	optional
Children	`children`	Number of children (e.g., 3), or list of children names. Use ((Plainlist)) for multiple values.	String	optional
Relatives	`relatives`	Names of parents, siblings or other relatives; include only if they are independently notable or particularly relevant. Include the relationship in parentheses after the name (father, sister, uncle, etc.). Use ((Plainlist)) for multiple values.	String	optional
Awards	`awards`	Insert any notable awards the person has won. Consider using the template: ((Awards\|award\|year\|title\|role)) Use ((Plainlist)) for multiple values.	String	suggested
Signature	`signature`	File name of the writer's signature. Image is displayed at a width of 128px.	Page name	optional
Signature type	`signature_type`	Alter from Signature to, for example, Seal	String	optional
Signature size	`signature_size`	Default is 150px. If necessary, a signature can be resized manually as per the "image_size" parameter.	Unknown	optional
Signature (alternative)	`signature_alt`	Alternative text for signature. Write out the signature exactly as it appears in the image, including punctuation. (For accessibility, to be read by screen readers.)	String	optional
Years Active	`years_active`	Date range in years during which the subject was active in their principal occupation(s) and/or other activity for which they are notable. Use the format 1950–2000, or 1970–present if still active (note the use of an en dash, not hyphen). If no dates of birth and/or death are known for the subject, only a floruit date range, as is common with ancient subjects, this parameter can be used for it. If approximate (circa) dates are known for either or both, put them in the birth_date and death_date parameters.	String	optional
Module	`module`	Used for embedding other infoboxes into this one	String	optional
Website	`website`	If the person has an official website enter it here. Do not enter unofficial, blogs or fan websites. Only one official website is allowed. If the person has more than one official website, only the most prominent should be listed in the infobox. All other websites should be listed in the article under ==External links==. Use ((URL)). Do not include the "http[s]://" or "www." parts unless the server requires it. Use camel case capitalization to make multiword domain names easier to read. Example ((URL\|ExampleCompany.com))	String	suggested
Portal link	`portaldisp`	This is an optional parameter to display the literature portal link at the bottom of the infobox. Set this parameter to yes or y for enabling the portal link. Suggested values `yes`	String	optional

Example

J. K. Rowling CH OBE HonFRSE FRCPE FRSL
Rowling at the White House in 2010
Born	Joanne Rowling (1965-07-31) 31 July 1965 (age 58) Yate, Gloucestershire, England
Pen name	J. K. Rowling Robert Galbraith
Occupation	Author philanthropist
Alma mater	University of Exeter Moray House
Period	Contemporary
Genres	Fantasy drama young adult fiction crime fiction
Years active	1997–present
Spouse	Jorge Arantes (m. 1992; div. 1995) Neil Murray (m. 2001)
Children	3
Signature

Website
jkrowling.com

((Infobox writer
| name             = J. K. Rowling
| honorific_suffix = ((post-nominals|country=GBR|CH|OBE|HonFRSE|FRCPE|FRSL|size=100%))
| image            = J. K. Rowling 2010.jpg
| caption          = Rowling at the [[White House]] in 2010
| birth_name       = Joanne Rowling
| birth_date       = ((Birth date and age|df=yes|1965|7|31))
| birth_place      = [[Yate]], Gloucestershire, England
| pseudonym        = ((unbulleted list|J. K. Rowling|Robert Galbraith))
| occupation       = ((hlist|Author|philanthropist))
| alma_mater       = ((ubl|[[University of Exeter]]|[[Moray House School of Education|Moray House]]))
| period           = [[Contemporary literature|Contemporary]]
| years_active     = 1997–present
| genres           = ((hlist|[[Fantasy]]|[[drama]]|[[young adult fiction]]|[[crime fiction]]))
| subject          =
| movement         =
| spouse           = ((unbulleted list|((marriage|Jorge Arantes|1992|1995|end=divorced))|((marriage|Neil Murray|26 December 2001))))
| children         = 3
| relatives        =
| website          = ((URL|jkrowling.com))
| signature        = JKRowlingsignature.svg
))

Microformat

The HTML markup produced by this template includes an hCard microformat, which makes the person's details parsable by computers, either acting automatically to catalogue articles across Wikipedia or via a browser tool operated by a reader, to (for example) add the subject to an address book or database. For more information about the use of microformats on Wikipedia, please see the microformat project.

Sub-templates

Date-of-birth ("bday") information will only be included in the microformat if ((birth date)), or ((birth date and age)) are used in the infobox. (Do not use these if the date is before 1583). Be cautious about using these if the person is still living, per WP:DOB.

To include a URL, use ((URL)).

Please do not remove instances of these sub-templates.

Classes

hCard uses HTML classes including:

adr
agent
bday
birthplace
category
country-name
deathdate
deathplace
extended-address
family-name
fn (required)
given-name
honorific-prefix
honorific-suffix
label
locality
n
nickname
note
org
role
url
vcard

Please do not rename or remove these classes nor collapse nested elements which use them.

Syntax

Parameters

Use as a child template

TemplateData

Example

Microformat

Sub-templates

Classes

Tracking categories

See also