Literal:
* The blacksmith heated the iron until it was a firebrand, ready to be shaped.
Figurative:
* The firebrand politician ignited the crowd with his passionate speech.
* The young activist was a firebrand for social justice, sparking protests across the city.
* Despite his age, the grandfather was a firebrand, always ready to debate the latest political issue.
* The author's latest novel features a firebrand heroine who challenges the status quo.
More nuanced:
* Her fiery spirit, often mistaken for aggression, made her a firebrand among her colleagues.
* While some saw him as a dangerous firebrand, others recognized his genuine desire to improve the community.
Remember that "firebrand" can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the specific situation and the writer's intent.