Kunta Kinte
When Alex Haley’s Roots was released, Kunta Kinte’s story gained mainstream recognition. It even went as far as Gambia itself, where an island was named after the popular character. An undeniable cultural impact, but unfortunately it can’t be verified as factually correct. Sources don’t seem to match up, which suggests that Kunta might just be a good piece of fiction after all. Either way, the tale has inspired millions of people and brought joy into their hearts regardless.
Helen of Troy
The wife of Greek King Menelaus in The Iliad, Helen of Troy is a popular character that has been portrayed to death on stage and screen over the last few decades. Although a strong presence in art form, historians question whether she ever existed to begin with. Most believe that she was added to the story as an afterthought, a simple act that has had such widespread consequences, with millions of people around the world believing her to be real.