I have a question to the Ulfy "haters:"
Have you guys DONE the Stormcloak portion of the Civil War quest line? You learn so much more subtle details about the actual man, and not his legend, that would reflect that he's really a great guy. He's not a racist, he's not power hungry; Hell, a lot of the time, he doesn't even feel like continuing the war, but Galmar talks him into it. Everything he does, he does for the right reasons; however, he doesn't know the whole story, and doesn't seem to take into account the bigger picture. He doesn't hate the Empire, or non-Nords. He hates what the empire has become, and can't trust anyone who isn't a "true nord" because of all the spies around him.
Have you guys DONE the Stormcloak portion of the Civil War quest line? You learn so much more subtle details about the actual man, and not his legend, that would reflect that he's really a great guy. He's not a racist, he's not power hungry; Hell, a lot of the time, he doesn't even feel like continuing the war, but Galmar talks him into it. Everything he does, he does for the right reasons; however, he doesn't know the whole story, and doesn't seem to take into account the bigger picture. He doesn't hate the Empire, or non-Nords. He hates what the empire has become, and can't trust anyone who isn't a "true nord" because of all the spies around him.
I've only played through the Stormcloak path once and with a side character, with my mind with the Imperials so my interpretation might be biased. Ulfric seemed very likable and very honest and I believe that is how he managed to lead the rebellion. He is likable, and is basically the image of Nordom. It's his charisma and his pureness in Nordic tradition that has fueled the rebellion. To what degree he is being truthful and what degree he is after power I do not know.