I was going to title this historical heroes, but then realised that some of the people whom I find interesting could never be described as heroic! Which people do you find fascinating? My list would be:
All the Tudors - an obvious one but I became Tudor-obsessed when I was very young and it's never stopped. Elizabeth in particular, a strong woman who lived through such trauma and survived to build a legend around herself. Yes, it went wrong in the 1590s but still she was an amazing woman.
William Marshall - a recent discovery of mine who had the most eventful life: nearly thrown from a catapault by Stephen during his war against Matilda, part of Eleanor of Aquitaine's retinue, became the archetypal knight invincible in tournaments, then regent for Henry III defending England against the French at the age of 70.
Julius Caesar and Augustus - ruthless and not averse to mass murder but shaped the course of the Roman Empire. I wonder what would have happened had Julius Caesar not been murdered and had instead headed off on his conquering trip East.
Eleanor of Aquitaine - such a fascinating woman. Married to the French King then had the marriage annulled and married Henry II eight weeks later. Mother of Richard and John, conspired with them against Henry, held captive for years before effectively ruling England whilst Richard went off crusading and being captured.