Secondary Characters in The Hobbit
The Dwarves
Thorin Oakenshield
The proud leader of the dwarf company stands out among the secondary characters as the most developed. His character arc demonstrates the corrupting influence of greed and the redemption that comes through humility.
"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."Note
Thorin's final words to Bilbo perfectly encapsulate his character development and the book's central theme about the dangers of greed.
Other Dwarves
While most dwarves serve as a collective supporting cast, several stand out:
- Balin: The kindest toward Bilbo, often acting as a bridge between hobbit and dwarf cultures
- Fili and Kili: The youngest dwarves, whose tragic fate adds emotional weight to the story's conclusion
- Bombur: Provides comic relief through his size and appetite
The Elves
Elrond
The Lord of Rivendell serves as both mentor and helper figure, providing:
- Crucial information about the moon runes
- Safe haven for the company
- Wisdom and counsel
The Elvenking (Thranduil)
A complex character who demonstrates both:
- The isolationist tendencies of the woodland elves
- A legitimate claim to some of Smaug's treasure
Pay attention to how Thranduil's character challenges the traditional "purely good" depiction of elves in fantasy literature.
