[The Half-Hobbit]

Halfir...you said: Goldberry in answer to Frodo's question about Tom's provenance says:"He is."But she doesn't stop there. She goes on to elaborate on her initial statement by saying:"He is as you have seen him......He is the Master of wood ,water, and hill." and she goes on to explain even further.

However, she only elaborates because Frodo is so confused by her answer. Which I think is probably the best, certainly the most practical answer to this qestion.

When you get right down to it, each character is an enigma like Tom is. I can label them more easily, and I have more experince of their thoughts and behavior, but thats it. The essential 'self' of each of them is something I can only guess at.