Ironic, isn't it, that in this fantasy Downer Fellowship I would be both Frodo and his would-be assassin.
Gandalf: I cannot think of anyone better suited to the role than
Bêthberry. In many a thread, her wisdom and (often profound) insight have ignited further and deeper discussion. She can be simultaneously analytical and poetic, and has been my guiding light in the Downs - she was the first to welcome me to the sight; she was the first friend I made here, and is still the closest; in the chatroom, just as in the forum, she asks tough, deep-delving questions (many of which I find myself unable to answer as well as I wish) and provides her own valuable opinions and analyses. Indeed, I feel we have a relationship (somewhat) akin to that of Gandalf and Pippin (although my hobbitish curiosity is often concealed in an effort not to sound stupid, and Bêthberry is not particularly "quick to anger"). I'll also note that Gandalf's propensity towards laughter and mirth has nothing on Bêthberry's subtle and clever brand of humor, and that a raggedy cloak and conical cap would probably not do justice to the latter.
Frodo: Much like Frodo,
The Barrow-Wight was once an ordinary (albeit abnormally wise and intelligent) hobbit who now carries a heavy burden. In Frodo's case, it was the Ring; in the BW's, it's the Downs. Who of us can know what toll this great responsibility has taken on him? We hope, though, that he will not vanish into the West, leaving us mortals with naught but memories of his great deeds.
Gimli:
Fordim Hedgethistle may be the most enthusiastic lover of Middle-earth I have ever encountered. This exuberance has taken the form of many of the most brilliant threads and intense discussions I have ever seen on the subject of Tolkien's world. In this way he is like Gimli, crying scornfully, 'Caves, they say! Caves!' and then convincing us, passionately and eloquently, that the very 'caves' in question are some of the most beautiful wonders in the world.
Legolas: Off the top of my head, I can think of no one better for this role than
Legolas - or
Ulmo, if you like - himself. Subtle, often eloquent, and concise, he conveys a hidden worldly wisdom that spans far beyond his years. Also, a particular entry in his blog wherein he describes a meditative experience in the ocean makes him seem all the more like his sea-longing Middle-earth namesake.
Boromir:
Eomer of the Rohirrim comes to mind for his obvious intelligence, his aura of pride, and his quasi-"tough-guy" image (helped along by his Karl Urban avatar).
Aragorn:
Burrahobbit. At first (or second, or third...) glance, he can seem intimidating, frightening - even mean. Once one gets to know him a little, though, one realizes that he is simply quite frank and terse by nature. He is also somewhat enigmatic, like Strider, and carries the burden of a great mind.
Samwise: Based on pure kindness and gentle nature alone,
Estelyn Telcontar fits the bill. She's not as simple as Sam, though, and I reckon that, unlike Master Gamgee, she's just as handy with a needle and thread as with a pot full o' taters.
Pippin: This role in the Fellowship I reserve for myself (see 'Gandalf' for explanation).
Merry:
Diamond18 has always struck me as a Merry gal - smarter and more observant than your average, garden-variety hobbit, but still playful as they come.
Indeed, Bêthberry, I doubt I could pass up a plate of Maggot's mushrooms - particularly if there was
penne al arrabiata and red wine in the offing as well.
