As character education continues to be an objective of the social studies, the more effective educators have taken up the challenge by first understanding the principles of their discipline and opportunities for examining the values of character to be encountered. The organizing and teaching of history conceptualized and taught in a powerful manner as well-told and accurate stories represents more than simple entertainment. They relate the adventure of a democracy through individuals encountering struggle and resolution by the value choices they make and thus reflect the continuing experience of a democratic society attempting to perpetuate itself. In this article, the author illustrates this objective by relating the story of Abigail Adams, whose name and exploits may have been overshadowed by her husband and the chauvinism of the times, but who nonetheless exhibited the characteristics of a truly independent spirit who was ahead of her times. For social studies educators, such stories present the opportunity to meaningfully relate those values that comprise the character of the effective citizen.