[greyhavener]

I love Sam. He is honest and loyal. He is not self-centered. Although uneducated and inexperienced, he has great potential which we see realized by the end of the LotR. Sam undergoes that wonderful transformation that sometimes takes place when a person takes on a role in something larger and more important than themselves. In the way that ordinary, sometimes even simple-minded men become war heroes because the circumstances demand it, Sam takes intitiative and demonstrates wisdom that he doesn't seem capable of when we meet him hiding in the bushes under Frodo's window.

Throughout this growth process he remains aware of his own limitations and need for council. I think his lack of compassion for Gollum was one of his limitations. He didn't kill Gollum when he had the chance because he was willing to yield to the wisdom of Gandalf and the desires of Frodo. This shows his humility and lack of pride.

In his moment of great need in Mordor he calls out for help in elvish which he does not speak, but because he is humble and pure of heart his desire to help Frodo finds voice. Frodo and the ring would never have made it to the cracks of doom without Sam. In fact, I think Sam might have thrown the ring in himself.

When he participates in the rescue of the Shire and then becomes mayor at the end of the books his character remains pure of heart, honest, and loyal but has grown in wisdom and leadership. When the time comes he can see Frodo off at the Grey Havens with sadness but not despair. Though Sam character remains humble he stands on shore with Merry and Pippin as equal not as servant.