The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Characters & Cast

Frodo's primary motivation is to protect his home, the Shire, and the people he loves. He does not seek power or glory; his quest is born out of a sense of duty and the understanding that he is the one who must bear this burden. He is driven by a desire to see good triumph over evil, even at great personal cost.

Frodo begins as a simple, good-natured hobbit living a peaceful life in the Shire. The inheritance of the Ring forces him out of his comfortable world and onto a path of immense burden and suffering. Throughout the film, he demonstrates remarkable courage and resilience, but also begins to feel the corrupting weight of the Ring. His arc in this first installment is about accepting his daunting task and realizing the journey's true peril, culminating in his decision to continue to Mordor alone to protect his friends from the Ring's influence.

Gandalf's motivation is the preservation of the free peoples of Middle-earth and the defeat of Sauron. He understands the catastrophic potential of the One Ring and is dedicated to its destruction. He works to unite the different races and guide them against the coming darkness, acting as a catalyst for the forces of good.

Gandalf is introduced as a wise and powerful wizard, a friend to the hobbits and a guardian of Middle-earth. His arc in the film is one of guidance and sacrifice. He acts as the leader and protector of the Fellowship, using his wisdom to navigate their path. His journey takes a dramatic turn in the Mines of Moria, where he confronts the Balrog. In a selfless act to save the others, he falls into shadow, completing his role as the sacrificial mentor who ensures the quest can continue without him.

Aragorn is motivated by a deep sense of honor and duty, though he is burdened by the failures of his ancestors (specifically Isildur's failure to destroy the Ring). His primary drive is to protect the innocent, especially Frodo, and to fight against the shadow of Sauron. He is also motivated by his love for the elf Arwen, which ties him to the fate of the world.

Aragorn is introduced as Strider, a mysterious and grim ranger. His arc is about embracing his destiny. Initially, he is reluctant to claim his birthright as the heir to the throne of Gondor, living in self-imposed exile. Throughout the film, he proves himself a skilled warrior and a natural leader, protecting the hobbits and guiding the Fellowship after Gandalf's fall. By the end, he has begun to accept his role and his responsibility, vowing to protect Frodo and see the quest through.

Sam's motivation is simple and profound: his friendship with and love for Frodo. He is not concerned with the grand politics of Middle-earth or the nature of the Ring; his entire world is centered on protecting his master and ensuring he does not face his burden alone.

Sam starts as Frodo's simple gardener, bound by a promise to Gandalf to look after him. His character arc is one of burgeoning bravery and unwavering loyalty. Though often fearful and out of his depth, he never falters in his dedication to Frodo. His courage grows throughout the journey, and he becomes Frodo's emotional anchor. The film ends with his defining moment of loyalty, wading into a river, unable to swim, to follow Frodo, solidifying his role as the ultimate steadfast friend.