Very Important Person

Who is this person?

And what is their primary role in history?

What are their most recognizable physical traits or distinctive features?

Describe their appearance from the perspective of a portrait painter.

What are their defining personality traits?

Did they have any notable flaws or weaknesses?

What personal values or beliefs guided their actions?

Think principles, morals, philosophies, etc.?

What deeds are they known for?

List political, military, artistic, cultural achievements, etc.

How are they remembered today?

How did viewpoints on this person change through time? Are there debates or differing interpretations of their actions?

Where and when was this figure born?

How did their place of birth shape their worldview or opportunities?

Who were their parents or guardians?

How did their upbringing shape the figure’s character, goals, or ambitions?

What early experiences shaped their personality or talents?

Think of childhood events, education, adventures, etc.?

What obstacles or challenges did they face in childhood?

Think of poverty, illness, prejudice, political/social constraints, etc.?

What cultural or societal norms influenced their upbringing?

Think religion, traditions, gender expectations, social status, class norms, etc.?

What are the major achievements or contributions of this figure?

Were they universally acclaimed or the opposite?

How did they grow their abilities?

Think training, natural aptitude, divine intervention, etc.?

What major internal conflicts did they face?

How did these conflicts affect their public actions or choices?

What were their greatest mistakes or failures?

How did they react to it?

What drove their actions?

Think ambition, revenge, love, a sense of duty, etc.? Did this evolve over time?

Who were their...

Closest friends? Allies? Rivals? Enemies?

What was their reputation among their...

Peers? Enemies? The general populace?

How did they die?

Write a diary entry from the figure reflecting on their final days.

What defined their later years?

Think last-minute projects, successes, setbacks, controversies, personal failures, etc.

How did their allies and enemies react to their death?

How did these reactions differ across social classes, regions, or factions?

What was the immediate public reaction to their death?

Write an obituary for this figure.

Why is this person important in your world today?

Think of the cultural, political, societal impact, etc. Then draft a newspaper or bulletin commemorating their influence.

What lasting contributions are attributed to them?

Recount an achievement through the eyes of someone who opposed them.

What was the state of the world or their region before, during, and after their lifetime?

What challenges or opportunities defined their era?

What is dedicated to them today?

Think place names, monuments, holidays, etc.?

What stories and legends are associated with them?

How accurate are they compared to historical records?

What controversies surround their life and death?

Draft a fictional commentary in a modern newspaper, decades or centuries later.