The story resonated in post-independent Africa, and the character became a household name in the continent.

CNN: 'Things Fall Apart' author Chinua Achebe dies at 82

As the title figure, a feisty Natalia Osipova, a steely Misty Copeland and an athletic Isabella Boylston each took the independent streak implied by Mr. Ratmansky's reading of the character and made it seem individual to her.

WSJ: Firebird | American Ballet Theatre | Ratmansky's Fresh Fantasy | By Robert Greskovic

"If you create this comedy character of wealth and opulence swanning around, people hate you, " he told The Independent in 2010.

BBC: Michael Winner: Death Wish director dies aged 77

Another reason to want an independent counsel: There are obviously many good, fair-minded workers in the IRS, people of sterling character.

WSJ: An Antidote to Cynicism Poisoning