What is the characteristic of a primary source?

A primary source is defined as a direct or firsthand account of an event, person, or object. This characteristic is essential because primary sources provide original evidence and insights into a particular subject or event as it occurred. Examples of primary sources include diaries, letters, photographs, interviews, and official documents. They offer direct access to the insights, thoughts, and observations of those who experienced the events or times being studied.

In contrast, other types of sources interpret or analyze primary sources, such as opinions shared by historians, which tend to provide interpretations or narratives based on the analysis of evidence. Documentary interpretations and secondhand accounts likewise do not provide the original insight into the event but rather reflect the understanding or observations of others. Thus, the defining quality of a primary source as a firsthand record underpins its unique value in research and historical study.