Name Image Summary
Amazing People - A Summary
A list of all characters with brief biographies and assigned characteristics
Name Image Summary
Amazing People – A Summary
Abebe Bikila Olympic Athlete - Adaptability, Humility Abebe Bikila broke the world record at the Rome Olympics, running in bare feet. This remarkable and humble Ethiopian marathon runner became the first athlete to win back to back marathons. Later in life, he was paralysed and confined to a wheelchair but adapted and carried on competing.
Abraham Politician & Anti-Slavery Campaigner - Good Sense, Humility, Integrity Lincoln Remembered as a leader with integrity, ‘Honest Abe’ is renowned for his tireless efforts to abolish slavery. From a log cabin, to the White House, his rise from poverty to power was neither straightforward nor easy. Possessing much common good sense, he never forgot his origins and is fondly remembered as one of America’s best presidents.
Ada Lovelace Mathematician - Collaboration, Self-discipline Ada Lovelace is referred to as the ‘Enchantress of Numbers’ due to her intellect and skill with mathematics. Always pushing herself, she possessed great drive and self-discipline. A keen collaborator, her work with Charles Babbage led to the development of calculating sequences that are now recognised as the foundations of the first computer programme ever.
Albert Einstein Scientist - Creativity, Humility, Tolerance Voted ‘the greatest physicist ever’ by Time magazine, Albert Einstein’s research forever changed humans’ understandings of our world. His vivid imagination led him to ask questions and provide creative solutions. Despite his fame and accolades, he remained humble and continually sought to better himself. Famous for his intolerance of racism, he supported the Jews during World War II, as well as African Americans in America.
Name Image Summary
Alfred Nobel Innovator & Business Leader - Gratitude, Initiative A great chemist, engineer, innovator and a manufacturer of armaments, Alfred Nobel was extremely successful in business. He was grateful to be given the opportunity to change his legacy and took the initiative to devise the famed Nobel Prizes.
Amy Johnson Aviator & Explorer - Enthusiasm, Motivation Amy Johnson was a courageous aviator who paved the way for future female pilots. Her enthusiasm for aviation motivated her to achieve enormous success and she thrilled the world with her record-breaking flights.
Aneurin (Nye) Welsh Politician – Collaboration, Fairness, Motivation Aneurin (Nye) Bevan was born into a poor working class family Bevan in Wales, and overcame many obstacles to become a leading
figure in British politics and one of the greatest orators of his time. He was motivated by the idea that society needs to be fair, and he helped create the National Health Service in the UK.
Anna Nzinga African Queen & Military Leader - Courage, Optimism Queen of Ndongo, Anna Nzinga Mbande was one of the most Mbande powerful women leaders in African history. Courageous and relentless in her mission to bring peace to her people, she was adept at overcoming adversities and was clever and strategic in fighting colonisation and slavery.
Bennelong Indigenous Australian - Collaboration, Curiosity Bennelong was a senior man of the Eora Aboriginal Tribe. His curiosity of the first settlers saw him play a vital collaborative role, helping them to communicate with the local people.
Name Image Summary
Beulah Henry Inventor & Business Leader - Creativity Beulah Henry’s creativity enabled her to accomplish many things, at a time when it was unusual for a woman to be a business leader. Her persistence and drive as a prolific inventor is inspiring.
Caroline Early Australia Settler & Humanitarian - Fairness, Good Sense, Kindness Chisholm Caroline Chisholm dedicated her life to the improvement of
living standards and opportunities for young women and families settling in Australia. Her fairness, kindness and good sense earned her the title ‘The Emigrant’s Friend’.
Charles Darwin Scientist - Integrity, Motivation, Self-discipline A geologist, explorer, botanist and writer, Charles Darwin methodically collected and documented countless new species. His self-discipline kept him focused and motivated through ill- health and difficult conditions, as he redefined so many pre- conceived ideas. His 'On the Origin of Species' laid the foundations for the theory of evolution and is one of the most influential science books ever written.
Charlotte Writer - Enthusiasm, Humility, Tolerance A literary genius, Charlotte Brontë’s enthusiasm for writing also Brontë reflected her approach to life. She was outspoken about
injustice and urged tolerance in others. Despite her huge success, she remained humble and didn’t forget her origins.
Name Image Summary
Christopher Explorer - Curiosity, Resilience Christopher Columbus curiosity led to him discovering the coast Columbus of South America, the West Indies, Central America, the Bahamas, Cuba and Haiti. Without the assistance of a compass or accurate map, he persisted and led the way for other explorers.
Coco Chanel Business Leader - Courage A true innovator, Coco Chanel is one of the most influential style icons of all time. Although born into poverty, she courageously adapted her ideas into business opportunities. The Chanel organisation maintains its position as one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world today.
Confucius Philosopher - Courage, Perseverance A forward thinker and one of the most influential philosophers in the world, Confucius persevered courageously in his quest for harmony. He believed that if people co-operated with each other and society, this would end fighting and bring peace and stability.
David Missionary & Explorer - Courage, Perseverance, Resilience David Livingstone was a Scottish missionary and explorer known Livingstone for his explorations of Africa. He endured unimaginable hardships to chart much of southern and eastern Africa. His
perseverance and resilience remains an inspiration to people around the world.
Name Image Summary
Dmitri Chemist - Creativity, Curiosity Mendeleev’s curiosity and scientific research led to new and Mendeleev creative discoveries about chemical elements. His focus and
determination provided the building blocks that became the basis for The Periodic Table of Elements, the A-Z reference for chemical theory.
Elizabeth Arden Pioneering Cosmetics Entrepreneur - Initiative Elizabeth Arden was a pioneer in the development of cosmetics for women. She was also a keen suffragette, and used her initiative to supply them with bright red lipstick as sign of solidarity. Her innovative products are still hugely popular.
Elizabeth Doctor & Women's Rights Pioneer - Integrity, Kindness A woman of great integrity, Elizabeth Blackwell was the first Blackwell female doctor in the USA and became one of the greatest pioneers in the development of health care and training in medicine for women. She demonstrated kindness in work and focussed on helping poor women and children.
Emmeline Women's Rights Suffragette - Optimism, Perseverance Emmeline Pankhurst was a key leader of the British suffragettes. Pankhurst She believed in 'deeds not words' and inspired many to take up
the cause. Despite numerous set-backs and difficulties, she never gave up and remained positive about the future for women.
Name Image Summary
Eva Perón Humanitarian - Adaptability, Fairness, Kindness Eva Perón started out life in poor circumstances, but through hard work and by adapting herself, she rose to become wife of the president of Argentina. Her political endeavours saw her work compassionately to raise awareness of poverty and to encourage fairness and equal rights for women. 'Evita' is revered as a kind and giving folk-heroine.
Florence Medicine & Women's Rights Pioneer- Good Sense, Initiative, Kindness Nightingale Known as ‘The Lady with the Lamp’, Florence Nightingale was a
determined woman of much kindness. Her good sense saw her take initiatives to change perceptions of the importance of basic hygiene. She dedicated her life to helping others and paved the way for women in medicine.
Frida Kahlo Artist - Perseverance, Resilience, Self-discipline Frida Kahlo is celebrated as Mexico’s most famous artist. She suffered from polio as a child and was also severely injured in an accident. Showing great resilience and despite crippling circumstances, she persevered and produced over 143 paintings in her lifetime. Her imaginative and self-reflective work continues to be exhibited around the world today.
Funmilayo Political Campaigner - Collaboration, Fairness Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is remembered as the ‘Mother of Ransome Kuti Africa’ for her contributions. She persisted with her love of
education throughout her life, teaching and supporting women on their rights and freedoms. By collaborating with others, she showed how much can be achieved.
Name Image Summary
Harriet Tubman Anti-slavery Activist - Courage, Motivation, Empathy Nicknamed ‘Moses’, Harriet Tubman escaped the horrors of slavery. Instead of enjoying her freedom in safety, she was motivated to make courageous and heroic efforts to selflessly rescue others and went on to also campaign for women’s rights and fair treatment for all.
Helen Keller Educator - Gratitude, Optimism, Tolerance Despite disabilities, Helen Keller’s lifelong campaign for the blind and the deaf is a shining example of what people can achieve with determination. She was a passionate and optimistic educator for people dealing with disabilities and urged tolerance towards them.
Howard Florey Scientist - Collaboration, Integrity One of the greatest leaders in the fields of medicine and biology, Howard Florey’s pioneering efforts led to the development and mass production of penicillin, which continues to save countless lives today. Showing great integrity, he didn’t profit personally for his work, but chose instead to collaborate with others to provide life changing medicines.
Ibn Battuta Explorer - Enthusiasm, Gratitude Often referred to as the greatest explorer of all time, Ibn Battuta was an educated scholar who visited over 44 countries over 29 years. in his lifetime. Grateful for the opportunities that came his way, his enthusiastic travel account has become the best travelogue of the medieval world.
Isaac Newton Scientist - Curiosity, Humility The most influential scientist of the 17th century, Isaac Newton changed the way we see our world and universe through his startling mathematical, astronomical and scientific discoveries. With his limitless curiosity, he challenged long-held scientific theories and developed new laws of mechanics, gravity and motion. Despite his fame, he remained humble throughout his life.
Name Image Summary
Jesse Owens Olympic Athlete - Motivation, Self-discipline This formidable athlete didn’t let racial discrimination stop him from winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics. His motivation, self-discipline and hard work, saw Jesse Owens succeed despite the setbacks. Today, his efforts and achievements are finally recognised.
Leonardo da Vinci Artist, Architect & Engineer - Curiosity, Enthusiasm Leonardo da Vinci was a polymath, whose enthusiasm led him to master art, architecture, engineering, medical anatomy, and much more. An innovator ahead of his time, with a drive and curiosity about the world, his influence still resonates today.
Psychologist - Good Sense Lillian Gilbreth Renowned for her work on time management, Lillian Gilbreth is a true early example of the ‘working mother’. Supporting a family of 12 children, she became one of the first female engineers and also a psychologist. Her common sense approach, as well as her determination and innovative research has changed our world by improving productivity, profit, safety and efficiency at work.
Louis Musician (Trumpet) - Collaboration, Gratitude Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong was one of the world’s most Armstrong celebrated musicians who collaborated with artists from the world of jazz. Music is what saved him from the streets, and for this he was always grateful. Today, his lasting and distinctive musical legacy is still enjoyed by millions of people.
Ludwig van Musician & Composer - Adaptability, Resilience Ludwig van Beethoven is recognised as one of the most influential Beethoven musicians of all time. He triumphed in the face of adversity,
adapting and continuing to be creative, despite going deaf.
Name Image Summary
Madame CJ Business Leader - Initiative Orphaned at an early age, Madam CJ Walker endured many Walker setbacks in life. Using much initiative, she determinedly
developed outstanding skills to innovate, and created a successful career. She became the first African-American self- made millionaire and left a legacy that supported many charities and causes.
Mahatma Independence Leader - Fairness, Self-discipline, Empathy Remembered as the Father of the Indian Independence Gandhi Movement, Mahatma Gandhi endured much hardship to free
India from British rule and achieve fair and equal rights for his people. His compassion and unwavering stance of non-violent methods have inspired many important leaders.
Makereti Māori Culture Advocate - Enthusiasm, Optimism Possessing a natural charm and wit, Makereti Papakura cleverly Papakura used her deep knowledge of Māori genealogy and traditions to
play a very prominent role in contributing to the local economy and tourism of her people. She became a respected advocate for the culture, which she proudly observed and made known to the world.
Marie Curie Scientist - Courage, Curiosity, Integrity The only person to ever receive two Nobel Prizes in two different sciences, Marie Curie was a selfless genius and a dedicated mother. Her courage and devotion to her work and research changed our world and has saved countless lives.
Name Image Summary
Mark Twain Writer & Humourist - Adaptability, Enthusiasm, Optimism Known affectionately as the ‘Father of American Literature’, Mark Twain’s determination to succeed and his strong sense of optimism, helped him adapt and overcome obstacles. He explored, dreamed and discovered to become a much-loved and influential writer, whose wit and satire have earned much praise.
Martin Luther Civil Rights Leader - Fairness, Optimism, Empathy This courageous civil rights leader stood up for what he believed King Jr. in. Martin Luther King Jr. resolutely campaigned for fair and equal rights for all citizens of America. Despite threats and intimidation, he remained optimistic in his belief that the future would bring about social change and equality.
Nurse & Businesswoman - Initiative, Tolerance, Empathy Mary Seacole A dedicated nurse, Mary Seacole showed much compassion when she took the initiative to help the wounded at Crimea. She ran several businesses and overcame much racial discrimination. Utilising her skills and knowledge, she persistently worked in her own way against intolerance and helped others throughout her life.
Michelangelo Renaissance Artist & Sculptor - Adaptability, Creativity Michelangelo is still regarded as one of the most famous artists and sculptors of all time. Utilising his genius and creativity tirelessly, he adapted his skills to produce many extraordinary masterpieces, including the famed paintings in the Sistine Chapel.
Mustafa Military Leader - Kindness, Tolerance A respected political leader and a brave military leader, Mustafa Atatürk Atatürk is recognised as the founder of modern Turkey.
Remembered for his kindness and tolerance, he introduced many reforms that supported social and cultural changes, including prioritising the significance of education.
Name Image Summary
Percy Julian Scientist & Chemist - Perseverance, Tolerance Determined to make the best of his talents, Percy Julian’s intellectual conviction resulted in key breakthroughs in chemistry. Despite struggles of segregation, he believed in tolerance and helped many African Americans to succeed. His perseverance saw him become the first African American to receive a doctorate in chemistry.
Sacagawea American Indian Explorer - Initiative, Resilience Acting as a knowledgeable interpreter and guide, and selfless in her bravery, Sacagawea played a crucial role in assisting American explorers on their discoveries. Resilient even when kidnapped and enduring harsh conditions, her great initiatives contributed to a peaceful and successful expedition.
Sarojini Naidu Independence Leader & Poet - Good Sense, Motivation Remembered as the ‘Nightingale of India’, Sarojini Naidu fought passionately for Indian independence. Imprisoned for her beliefs, she used her poetry to reflect the injustice of being occupied. A respected political leader, she was well-motivated to continue her cause and went on to become the first female President of the India National Congress.
Simón Bolívar Military Leader - Adaptibility, Courage Known as ‘The Great Liberator, Simón Bolívar was a revolutionary leader who practised extraordinary adaptability and focus, in winning independence for South America from European control.
Thomas Edison Innovator & Inventor - Good Sense, Perseverance A prolific inventor, Thomas Edison’s curiosity resulted in extraordinary contributions that changed our world in many ways. Today’s mobile phone has several features that exist thanks to his inventions, including light, camera, recording, audio, video, etc. He persevered despite countless failures, and used his good sense to developing his practical ideas.
Name Image Summary
Walt Disney Business Leader - Collaboration, Creativity A creative pioneer and innovator, Walt Disney’s achievements prove that dreams can come true. He collaborated with his team known as his ‘imagineers’ and built an empire that is now worth billions. His loveable characters and magical imagination continue to bring much joy to the world.
William Playwright & Poet - Creativity, Gratitude, Empathy Often referred to as Britain’s national poet, Shakespeare is one of Shakespeare the world’s most respected writers of all time. His influence is still
far reaching today, with his turns of phrase used widely. He was a passionate and resolute young man who worked hard to achieve success. His humility meant that he was always grateful for his talent.
Zumbi Dos Revolutionary & Anti-Slavery Fighter - Courage, Resilience Descended from nobility, Zumbi dos Palmares started out life as a Palmares free man. Captured and then kept in a monastery, he developed
much resilience and courage. On escaping in his teens, he led his people in a fight of resistance, becoming known as the last 'King of the Maroons'.