When I played DnD it was all about fantasy and roleplaying. So my choice of class was based on being able to do things that I couldn't or wouldn't do in real life. With that in mind, I remember a thief being my favorite choice even though a Cleric was my first character ever.
I liked the freedom of movement, not getting surprised (by traps and such), being able access things that others couldn't. Being able to use things that were normally restricted to other classes. Having to be more clever than my opponent.
Being "necessary" to the success of a campaign. Lots of reasons. I tended to play either a survivor type or a mercenary.NG or CG.
Typically having a personal code of honor in addition to Guild rules. Even to the point of paying back some of the victims when the character started finding lost treasure more profitable than other people's. I suppose I relate in that in real life I like to find the answers to things that interest me.
Finding clever solutions to problems and finding unique approaches to everyday things. What was different was that in every "game" you're required to enact violence on others to "win". That philosophy is completely contrary to my real life one.
But because it was a game, not an extension of real life, I enjoyed playing the game with my friends and played for many years.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.