[greyhavener]

I love Sam. He embodies all the hobbits best qualities. He isn't stagnant, but learns and grows throughout the story. The Sam who hid in the bushes listening under Frodos window could never have become mayor of Hobbiton without his growth experiences through his quest with Frodo.

I also love Cirdan the shipbuilder. He was willing to surrender his ring of power to Gandalf. He remains in Middle Earth when all the other elves are leaving, faithful to what he believes even when it isn't following the crowd.