Is it correct to use the simple past when referring to Poe's ideas and the present when referring to the characters in his tales?

1) Poe believed(simple past) that this impulse, which was hidden in every material and spiritual portion of the universe, ruled the dark side of human behaviour.
2) His characters are completely cut off from society.

1) Poe believed that this impulse, hidden in every material and spiritual portion of the universe, rules the dark side of human behaviour.

2) OK