Hans Christian Andersen wrote more than 150 marvelous fairy tales, many of which are regarded as children's classics. He was born in Odense, Denmark, on April 2, 1805, of parents who were not only poor, but neglectful. When he was 14, he ran away to Copenhagen, where he became an apprentice at the Royal Theater. Soon, he was attracting patrons who provided for his education and gave him time to write. In 1822, Andersen began publishing some of his poetry and he produced a few of his own plays, but his real success did not begin until his first novel, The Improvisatore, or Life in Italy, was well received by the critics. He then published a collection of four fairy tales, and their enthusiastic reception set him off on his never-to-be-forgotten career as a pre-eminent storyteller. His stories -- most notably, "The Ugly Duckling," "The Emperor's New Clothes," "The Snow Queen," "The Red Shoes," and "The Little Mermaid" -- have been translated into more than 80 languages and have been the source of plays, ballets, films, and works of sculpture and painting. (You might go to the video store and rent the movie "Hans Christian Andersen," with Danny Kaye in the title role.)

MODEL: Find that special something that makes you you. Then go with it. Use your specialness to help others. In doing so, you will help yourself.

The perfect world. If you were born on April 2, you are extremely idealistic. Your naivete may actually derail your drive to succeed. Only after realizing the limitations to yourself and your surroundings can you really get anywhere. Until that time, you are continually disappointed. Ruled by the number 2 and the moon, you are charming and ambitious, but may have to settle for a less dominant role.

Royal family. You are family oriented, especially if you are a man. Your home is your castle; your family, your court. Unfortunately, some of your family may not bow to your rule.

Blowhard. You are always going on and on about your ideal world. Those around you must take your dreams and visions with much patience, especially pragmatic types who frown upon such fairy tales. Because you so firmly and honestly believe in your ideals, you find it hard to compromise and view anyone who disagrees as the enemy.

Bend a little. You must learn to compromise, or risk driving friends and family bonkers. You see everything as black or white, so your opinions can alienate. Nonetheless, you are well-liked. Your open and honest nature tends to make people forgive your rantings and ravings. Your support for the underdog or downtrodden also wins you admirers.

What's empathy? You are not very aware of the emotions and motivations of others, nor their impressions of you. It might take a crisis or some other shock for you to finally see yourself through other's eyes.

Advice for idealists: Get real. Dreams are great, but they don't pay the rent. Don't react emotionally, try to take criticism constructively. It can teach you more than a thousand compliments.

Also born on this day: Hans Christian Anderson (fairy tale writer, playwright) Emile Zola (French novelist) Alec Guinness (British actor) Max Ernst (German painter, sculptor) W. P. Chrysler (auto manufacturer) Marvin Gaye (soul singer, songwriter) Camille Paglia (feminist writer) Dana Carvey (comedian, actor) Emmylou Harris (country singer) Rochelle Owens (playwright) Georgie Geyer (woman columnist) Buddy Ebsen (actor)