A better approach would be to:
* Start with your thesis statement: Immediately state the argument you're making about the person. This focuses the reader's attention on your main point. For example, "While often celebrated as a visionary leader, Abraham Lincoln's actions regarding Native Americans reveal a deeply flawed understanding of justice."
* Start with a compelling anecdote or quote: This can grab the reader's attention and introduce the person in a way that directly relates to your argument. For example, a quote from the person that contradicts a common perception of them, or a short story illustrating the point you intend to make.
* Start with a relevant historical context: Set the stage for your argument by briefly discussing the historical circumstances surrounding the person's life and actions. This provides background without getting bogged down in biographical detail.
You *can* incorporate biographical information, but it should serve your argument, not the other way around. Use biographical details strategically to support your claims, rather than presenting them as the main focus of the introduction. Think of biography as a tool to bolster your argument, not as the argument itself.