Charisma?

[Raynor]

these characters (The Fellowship, for example) set themselves apart from the "common folk" when they become the Nine Walkers.

Yes, that is relevant from Child's first quote. These two positions are perfectly compatible; they were simple, ordinary people, which were elevated to a higher status in order to achieve their quest; they weren't left to their own devices (or abilities) to achieve this, since the outcome was too important. I don't deny various levels of "sparks" in each and everyone one of them, and also their "normality" doesn't diminish their uniqueness; the fact remains that they are exponants of the common people in uncommon situations.