Biography

Truman was never one to hide his homosexuality. In fact, many gay and lesbian groups today praise Truman for his bravery both in social life and in his writings. While his mother never accepted his choice and often tried to change her son, Truman owned his sexuality at an early age and lived it to his fullest.

Like many in the social elite, Truman had many relationships. Most notably perhaps is his long time affair with Jack Dunphy whom he met in 1948. Though not an exclusive relationship, the two of them would remain together in one way or another throughout their lives and shared separate houses on the same property.

The contrast of southern life and big city society, along with Truman's sexual themes in many of his stories, helped define Capote as a writer. But that was only part of what made his stories successful. Truman also had a sensitivity and a flare for being able to capture the truth of real life. This great ability lead to what would become one of his greatest works, Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Through all his successful writings, Truman still felt that he was lacking something. He was looking to create something new, not just a new story, but a new way of telling a story. When Truman read about the 1959 killings of the Clutter Family in rural Holcomb Kansas, Truman had found his muse.

For his research of In Cold Blood (the stories of the famous murders), Truman would take his childhood friend, Harper Lee, to Kansas where they met with the people of Holcomb. Truman's comforting way with people aided his ability to get exactly what he wanted form an interview. Truman did not use notes during his interview, but instead memorized the facts and later in the day would write them down.

The book was an instant success. Truman had created a new literary style that would change the world of journalism and storytelling. The "Nonfiction Novel", as Truman called it, combined journalism with a literary voice. The book was quickly turned into a movie and Truman's success skyrocketed.

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