If I base characters on historical figures, how much research should I do?

If I base characters on historical figures, how much research should I do?

Russell Celyn Jones (Published writer. Professor of Creative Writing and Director of the MA Programme at Birkbeck College (University of London).) gives expert video advice on: Do I need to research my novel, and what kind of research should I do?; Can I over research my novel?; Should I write about what I know? and more...

If you're creating a character based on a historical figure you will inevitably research that character's background, but you must always remember that you are writing fiction and fiction is a form of entertainment. And there may be things that you will do to invent a scenario that do not follow the historical research you've done. You shouldn't be hampered by the truth in fiction.