primary biography; standard biography
Refers to the main or official biography of a person, often contrasted with 外伝 (supplementary biography or side story). Used in historical or literary contexts.
See also: 外伝
The primary biography of this person is recorded in detail in the official history.
By comparing the standard biography and the supplementary biography, you can gain a deeper understanding of the person.
Compound of 本 (main, original) and 伝 (biography, tradition). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term follows a common pattern in Sino-Japanese vocabulary.