Thanks Anna!
I have to be honest, I struggled to think of what it was that got me hooked all of those years ago! Back then my knowledge of him and his world was about as basic as it could possibly be. Initially, all I knew of him, after a day of learning about him and the Battle of Trafalgar at school, was that he was very brave, very successful and very popular with his men for treating them well. I also knew that he'd died in his "finest hour" in a manner very befitting of a hero. Despite me knowing very little, what I did know was instantly appealing and that was enough get me hooked. As time went on and my knowledge increased, I found myself liking him even more.
In terms of what I admire most about him now, well, that's a difficult question to answer. Because with Nelson there are so many qualities to admire it's almost unbelievable. But, also, the fact that he was a very flawed, "human" hero, I believe, adds to the appeal. He was a very normal man. But he also had a set of traits that enabled him to inspire thousands of people, most of whom he hadn't even met, and become one of the most beloved leaders in history.
I think that's why he was so successful, he just had all of the right ingredients to make him a great leader and hero. He felt compassion for his men and understood their needs, he treated his fellow officers like dear friends and he trusted them all to do what they felt was necessary in battle. He was very friendly towards most of the people he met with, whoever they were, and many people have noted his "charm" and energy. He was obviously very charismatic and this helped him to inspire those around him and make him very popular. He was impulsive and a quick thinker, and seemed rarely to lose his cool. His bravey was without fault. He did not fear death in any circumstance, and certainly not in battle, condsidering it to be glorious to sacrifice his life for his country. Not only that, he was always the one at the front, setting the example, and wouldn't have it any other way. He had a strong belief in fate and always believed he had a purpose, giving him enormous motivation- nothing was going to stop him and he stayed determined to do what he needed to do his whole life.
I think out of all that, what I find most likeable about him is his kindliness and childlike charisma. He was always happy to talk to people no matter what their social standing, be they a royal or a poor seaman. He was often a very selfless person, rarely putting himself before others and actively helping people as much as he could. His style of leadership meant that many of those under him truly respected him, even to the point of loving him, so that they would always do the best they could and would have followed him anywhere. I think that's special and very few people in history have been as loved and admired as Nelson has.