My two heroes are invidividuals who exerted influence for the benefit of Hungary. Queen Elisabeth was instrumental in securing Autrian support for the '1867 compromise' that installed the dual monarchy and gained autonomy for Hungary. Count Andrassy had fought for Hungaran independence in the 'year of revolutions' 1848. He fled Hungary after the defeat of the rebels but was brought back as Hungarian Chief Minister in 1867.

My villains are Vlad the Impaler and Nicolae Ceausescu. Vlad was an oppressive, cruel ruler and the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Count Dracula.Ceasescu was the arch-typical Communist dictator. He denied his people basic human rights. His economic policies forced families to cue for food.