Once you need to write a research paper on such a topic be sure that you made the right choice. The person you are going to write about should be of some interest to other people, too. In most cases instructors prefer seeing those names that have influenced the world positively or at least will stay in the history for the next 50 years. To complete the paper on a really high level you need to do the great research and have all information not only about the person but his/her friend and family, too. Make sure to have the name of his/her idol, the person that influenced him/her the most. The research paper should also have some info about the influence of this person on your life.