Characters of Middle-Earth

[McCaber]

For me, there's two types here. There's the sort I'd like as friends, and the sort I like as characters. The two are totally different.

For friends, it's Samwise, and Faramir and Eowyn post-war. And the dwarven party from the Hobbit would be great to spend a few nights with.

As characters, though, it's a much broader spectrum. Feanor and his sons are such giant mythic figures, full of power and anger, making their inevitable downfall part of a great arc. Turin and Maeglin are that same way - they function great as a character, but not someone I'd want to spend time with.

[Galadriel55]

McCaber!!!! Long time no Downs, isn't it?

Originally Posted by McCaber

For me, there's two types here. There's the sort I'd like as friends, and the sort I like as characters. The two are totally different.

That is one important observation.

[blantyr]

Originally Posted by McCaber

For me, there's two types here. There's the sort I'd like as friends, and the sort I like as characters. The two are totally different.

For friends, it's Samwise, and Faramir and Eowyn post-war. And the dwarven party from the Hobbit would be great to spend a few nights with.

As characters, though, it's a much broader spectrum. Feanor and his sons are such giant mythic figures, full of power and anger, making their inevitable downfall part of a great arc. Turin and Maeglin are that same way - they function great as a character, but not someone I'd want to spend time with.

I note that you have Third Age friends and First Age characters. Part of this might well be the theme and style of the works. The First Age stuff is in the tragic style of the old epics, where the arrogance, greed and pride of the rulers bring disaster to all. The Third Age stuff assumes most folk, big or little, will contribute as they can to fight the Enemy.

I'm sure you'd find exceptions, but the trend would be real.

[McCaber]

Originally Posted by blantyr

I'm sure you'd find exceptions, but the trend would be real.

See: Denethor, Theoden, Boromir, the last kings of Arnor and Gondor...

[Galadriel]

Originally Posted by blantyr

I note that you have Third Age friends and First Age characters. Part of this might well be the theme and style of the works. The First Age stuff is in the tragic style of the old epics, where the arrogance, greed and pride of the rulers bring disaster to all. The Third Age stuff assumes most folk, big or little, will contribute as they can to fight the Enemy.

I'm sure you'd find exceptions, but the trend would be real.

Correct, though I'd rather have Beleg Cúthalion as a friend Not to mention Voronwë, Mablung and Finrod.