(born 1925), U.S. author. A critically acclaimed writer, William Styron explored tragic themes in his novels, which were often set in the South. He was born on June 11, 1925, in Newport News, Va. His first novel, ‘Lie Down in Darkness' (1951), received critical acclaim, as did his fourth, ‘The Confessions of Nat Turner' (1967), which won the Pulitzer prize in 1968. ‘Sophie's Choice' (1979) was adapted as a major motion picture in 1982. Other works included ‘Set This House on Fire' (1960) and ‘This Quiet Dust' (1982).