The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Characters & Cast

Aragorn is motivated by his love for Arwen, his duty to his people, and his desire to protect his friends and all of Middle-earth from Sauron's tyranny. He is driven by a sense of responsibility to his lineage and the future of the world of Men.

Aragorn's arc in The Return of the King is the culmination of his journey from a hesitant ranger to a decisive and noble king. He fully embraces his destiny, overcoming his self-doubt and the fear of repeating his ancestor Isildur's failure. He leads the forces of good with courage and wisdom, ultimately accepting the mantle of leadership and restoring the throne of Gondor.

Frodo's primary motivation is to destroy the One Ring and save the Shire and the rest of Middle-earth from Sauron. He is driven by a sense of duty and the knowledge that he is the only one who can complete this perilous quest.

Frodo's arc is one of immense suffering and ultimate sacrifice. The burden of the Ring weighs heavily on him, both physically and spiritually, leading to his gradual deterioration. While he shows incredible resilience and determination, he ultimately succumbs to the Ring's power at the precipice of Mount Doom, highlighting the overwhelming nature of its evil. His journey is a testament to the idea that even in failure, the struggle itself can be heroic.

Sam's motivation is his deep and abiding love and loyalty for Frodo. He is driven by a promise to Gandalf to protect his master, and his simple, good-hearted nature fuels his determination to see the quest through to the end.

Sam's arc is one of growth from a simple gardener into a true hero. His unwavering loyalty, courage, and optimism are instrumental in the success of the quest. He repeatedly saves Frodo from despair and danger, and his willingness to carry Frodo up Mount Doom is a defining moment of heroism. Many consider Sam to be the true hero of the story.

Gandalf's motivation is to aid the free peoples of Middle-earth in their fight against Sauron. As an Istari, he was sent to guide and inspire, not to dominate. He is driven by a deep understanding of the stakes and a commitment to preserving the good in the world.

As Gandalf the White, his power and wisdom are at their peak. He serves as a beacon of hope and a strategic leader for the forces of good. His arc is less about personal transformation and more about fulfilling his divine purpose in Middle-earth. He rallies the armies of Men, confronts the Witch-king, and provides crucial guidance and reassurance in the face of overwhelming odds.

Gollum's sole motivation is to reclaim the One Ring, which he calls 'my Precious.' This obsession consumes him, driving all of his actions and leading him to betray Frodo and Sam.

Gollum's arc is a tragic exploration of addiction and the duality of good and evil. The film masterfully portrays the internal conflict between his two personalities: the wretched, Ring-obsessed Gollum and the pitiable, long-lost Sméagol. Ultimately, his obsession with the Ring leads to his demise, but in a twist of fate, his final act of treachery is what leads to the Ring's destruction.