Donald Trump and His Childhood Lookalikes: A Deep Dive into Storybook Characters

We all come from childhood, a time when our imaginations were shaped by the stories we read, and where we encountered characters that, in some way, would later find their echoes in the people we meet. As we grow, we discover that the archetypes we were introduced to in those pages often follow us through life. So, let’s take a journey back into those beloved books to see how the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, might align with some unforgettable childhood characters.

With his striking red hair, fiery temperament, self-assurance, and love of luxury, Donald Trump could easily be cast as one of the larger-than-life figures in children's literature. So, who are his literary counterparts? Let’s dive deeper into the world of storybook characters that share striking similarities with Trump—not just in looks, but in character traits as well.

Karlsson-on-the-Roof – The Self-Centered Showman

Karlsson, from Astrid Lindgren’s Karlsson-on-the-Roof, is a character who exudes confidence in every sense of the word. He has a small propeller attached to his back, which allows him to fly around and show off his “superior” skills. In every interaction, he believes he’s the best—after all, how could anyone be better than a man who can fly? With his cheeky grin and a knack for always getting what he wants, Karlsson might remind you of someone else who, at one point, claimed to be the best at everything—Donald Trump.

Appearance: Karlsson is small, with a round face and a mischievous glint in his eye. His messy hair and slightly rotund figure add to his charm—he is a man of excess, yet undeniably confident in his own skin. His cocky demeanor and obsession with being the “center of attention” fit Trump’s own public persona—loud, proud, and larger than life.

Personality: Karlsson is charismatic and playful, but he can be a bit of a show-off. His self-assuredness comes across as arrogance, and when people challenge him, he simply switches into a defensive mode. Similarly, Trump’s approach to criticism has often been to deflect, respond with bravado, and act as though his position is unassailable. Both characters thrive on attention and are often willing to go to great lengths to maintain their place at the top of the spotlight.

Tom Sawyer – The Master of Manipulation

In Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, we meet a boy who is an expert at manipulating those around him. He turns mundane chores, like painting a fence, into a game of status and privilege. Tom can convince anyone that doing his work is a privilege, and they’ll even pay for the honor. He’s clever, resourceful, and adept at convincing people to follow his lead. Much like Trump, Tom has the ability to charm others into doing his bidding while making it look like they’re doing it for their own benefit.

Appearance: Tom is often described as a striking young boy with fair hair and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He is well-formed but not overly muscular, a physical representation of someone who thrives on his wit rather than his strength. In the same way, Trump’s physicality, with his distinctive hair and suited appearance, exudes confidence without requiring brute force.

Personality: Tom is intelligent, charming, and knows how to use his wit to his advantage. He’s not above bending the rules to get what he wants, but his charm makes others want to be around him, much like Trump’s ability to sway public opinion and attract a following. Tom’s charisma and manipulation of situations are a mirror image of Trump’s tactics in business and politics.

Richmond – The Charismatic and Commanding Leader

In Gerald Durrell’s My Family and Other Animals, we meet the character of Richmond, a boy who believes he’s born to lead. He’s outgoing, extremely confident, and has a natural authority that draws others to him. Like Trump, he is fiercely passionate about his beliefs and not afraid to act on them—even if that means clashing with others. Richmond’s tendency to command and his ability to inspire devotion in others make him a perfect parallel to Trump’s leadership style, often described as strong-willed, no-nonsense, and assertive.

Appearance: Richmond is described as a bright, energetic young boy with a certain roughness to him. He carries himself with an air of superiority and doesn’t shy away from standing out in a crowd, much like Trump’s noticeable presence wherever he goes. The confidence is visible in the way he holds himself and interacts with others—always as though he’s on top of the world.

Personality: Richmond is a bit of a show-off, and he’s not afraid to push people to follow his lead. His impulsiveness and stubbornness—traits often seen in Trump’s career—show through in his interactions. Both characters are not just leaders; they believe they are the only ones who can truly lead and achieve great things. They possess a natural self-belief that often appears unshakable, regardless of the obstacles in their way.

Julian – The Unquestionable Leader

Julian, from Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series, is the natural-born leader of the group. He is confident, decisive, and often assumes that his way is the best way. Julian is also highly intelligent, and his quick thinking often gets the group out of tight spots. His sense of superiority and the way he believes others should follow him without question mirrors the approach that Trump has often taken in his personal and professional life.

Appearance: Julian is described as tall and commanding, with a straightforward, no-nonsense look. He’s physically impressive, and his posture and demeanor suggest someone who expects respect. In a similar vein, Trump’s imposing presence and larger-than-life image often demand attention—whether through his towering buildings or his forceful personality.

Personality: Julian is assertive, intelligent, and always takes charge. He’s the kind of leader who expects to be followed without question, and like Trump, he often dismisses dissent as simply people not understanding the “bigger picture.” Julian’s unshakable confidence and his tendency to act as though he knows best align closely with Trump’s political and business strategies, where his opinion is final, and anyone else’s is secondary.

Final Thoughts: Trump’s Storybook Counterparts

Donald Trump is a unique blend of several classic storybook characters. From Karlsson, he takes self-adoration and the belief that he’s always the best. From Tom Sawyer, he’s learned how to turn any situation into a profitable opportunity. From Richmond, he’s absorbed the impulse to lead and command respect. From Julian, he gets the no-questions-asked leadership style.

All of these characters—much like Trump—are larger-than-life figures who believe in their own greatness and wield their influence with a boldness that can be both admired and challenged. And while these storybook characters exist in a world of fantasy, the traits they share with Trump are undeniably real and have shaped both his public persona and his approach to leadership.

What do you think? Which other storybook characters do you see reflected in real-life figures?