Well I'm a fond sympathizer of Boromir. A lot of people don't like him (and is understandable he nearly caused the destruction of the whole quest) but I think it comes down to some just don't understand him. I say Boromir, because though Tolkien does give him that fallen hero quality and redemption he's compared him to Saruman and Denethor before. And we know they aren't such good company.
I also tend to sympathize for Denethor as well. Once a good man, but in his later years he was becoming more and more like a tyrant. And Sauron was getting a hold over him. Foolishly believing he can beat Sauron and in the end Denethor learns his lesson. I still don't take away though the fact that Denethor is arguably the strongest willed person when it comes to men, even more than Aragorn.
Denethor loses his wife, his favorite son, his father liked Thorongil, he's about to lose his other son, his kingdom's on the verge of destruction, he's been using the palantir for 20+ years, and until the end when he finally does lose his mind he (for the most part) was able to keep his kingdom and his men together. Until he lost it, but that he brought upon himself.
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Fenris Penguin
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