The Fellowship of the Ring Characters Analysis
Bilbo Baggins - An old hobbit from the Shire, who celebrates his 111th birthday at the beginning of the book. Bilbo left the shire for an adventure in his youth with Dwarves, and wizards. He returned with riches and the One ring, which he entrusts to Frodo along with his estate when he decides to leave the shire behind.
Frodo Baggins - Bilbo’s orphaned nephew becomes his only heir. Frodo receives the One ring from Bilbo on his birthday. Several years later, he is visited by Gandalf who informs him of the significance of the ring. Frodo agrees to abandon the shire to prevent the discovery of the Ring. He faces several challenges on his journey to Rivendell but is aided by his friends. In Rivendell, Frodo volunteers to carry the ring to Mordor, where it can be destroyed.
Gandalf - An old wizard who has the reputation of being a troublemaker in the shire, since he took Bilbo away from the shire on his first adventure. Gandalf discovers that the ring Bilbo brought back from his adventure was the one ring, and aids Frodo in finding safety at Rivendell. He joins the fellowship of the ring that is escorting Frodo and leads the group. Gandalf saves the fellowship by sacrificing his own life, as he falls while holding back a Balrog in the mines of Moria.
Samwise Gamgee - Frodo’s friend and gardener from the shire, who happens to overhear Frodo and Gandalf’s conversation about the One ring. Sam decides to escort Frodo to Rivendell along with his other hobbit friends. Sam is deeply loyal to Frodo and insists on joining the Fellowship to be at Frodo’s side. Sam is the only member who understands where Frodo has disappeared at the end, and he risks his life yet again to accompany him during the most dangerous part of the journey to Mordor.
Aragorn - The heir of Isildur, and the throne of Gondor, goes by many names. He is called Strider by the Rangers of the North, who secretly work to prevent the influence of the enemy from growing. He aids Frodo and his hobbit friends in traveling from Bree to Rivendell at Gandalf’s request. He forms a crucial part of the Fellowship and attempts to take charge of the quest when Gandalf is lost in the mines of Moria.
