Records of the Three Kingdoms
Liu Biao, courtesy name Jingsheng, was from Gaoping in Shanyang, one of the eight exemplars of the late Han. He entered Jing Province almost alone and settled the government at Xiangyang. From the Chuping years to 208, Jing was barely crossed by the great wars of the central plain. The names of Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong grew on that relatively quiet ground.
He looked mild and was jealous inside. He tried not to strike first at either Yuan Shao or Cao Cao. He died of illness in 208, before Cao Cao came south. His younger son Liu Cong surrendered. Liu Bei had been a guest for years and did not inherit Jing.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
The novel has Liu Bei weep for Liu Biao, and Liu Cong surrender in secret. The weeping and the surrender have a basis. Throwing Adou from the wall of Xiangyang is a later scene.
Liu Biao’s place is to hold what he has. The book does not make him a contender for the realm.
Reference: Wikipedia · Liu Biao