While not all autobiographies have to start by explaining your childhood, it is an area that will need to be covered. Write on paper your 10 most vivid childhood memories. If you can't recall that many, list as many as possible. Try to include a person or pet that was a part of those events. You can include characters that were important to that event and explain how they affected your life. These personalities can give you a common theme to your life's story. If it isn't the people, find something such as different schools you attended, if the strongest memories were from school.
You will need a list of your current work, education and hobbies for a complete autobiography. You can put this information at the end of the book, but write a list before you begin writing the text. Ask yourself what led you to where you are now. If you are a doctor, list how you got there. Recall medical school and the events that stood out. More so than in your childhood, you can likely recall your way of thinking at the time. What defined you? People often go through philosophical phases in their adult years, and they are able to form intelligent opinions. How did you feel when you were in medical school, for example? The most interesting autobiographies allow the reader into the subject's head.
After recalling the various events in your life, you will likely notice people or pets reappearing. While your autobiography is about you, these stakeholders are often as important in forming who you are as the events that took place in your life. They will also provide steady transition from event to event in your text. They can help reveal your character. An autobiography shouldn't only be about who you are on the outside, but also who you are inside. For example, the way you reacted when your older brother made you pet a tarantula can reveal that you were a younger sibling, that you were tormented. This can help the reader understand what you went through as a child and how your relationship with your brother had changed or stayed the same.
Your family history can be a key factor in communicating what led to your birth. This will give the reader an overall picture of the type of family you were raised in. This factor can be a strong start to revealing your character. You can detail how you feel about your parents and grandparents and whether you agree with their way of life. Each physical factor of your upbringing can lead to an array of character-revealing opinions and emotions you possess, and this can allow the reader to relate to you or disagree with you and become entrenched in your story.