If the subject of an article is in an object or concept in perpetuity, or a character that is currently alive, the introductory paragraph should use present tense where appropriate. A character was born, but is stubborn. He was Decepticon Leader, but is now an Autobot. If the subject of an article is an object or concept that is no longer current, or a character that is dead, the introductory paragraph should use past tense. A character was born, he lived, and he died. He was Autobot leader and he was heroic.