Major Characters
- Bilbo Baggins: The protagonist of The Hobbit, Bilbo is a hobbit living a quiet life in the Shire, seemingly content with his uneventful existence. However, there’s a hint of a secret desire for adventure, inherited from his adventurous grandfather, Old Took. As the story unfolds, Bilbo embarks on a journey to the Lonely Mountain with a group of dwarves, gradually discovering his skills in riddling, fighting, and burglary. He also finds a magical ring of invisibility, which plays a crucial role in his journey. Throughout his adventure, Bilbo balances his newfound heroism and love for adventure with his yearning for the peaceful life he left behind.
- Gandalf: A wise and powerful wizard who enlists Bilbo for the quest, Gandalf is instrumental in guiding and saving the dwarves on several occasions. However, he often leaves them to face challenges on their own, perhaps intentionally, to help them grow in courage and self-reliance.
- Thorin Oakenshield: Leader of the thirteen dwarves, Thorin is a descendant of the King Under the Mountain, whose kingdom was usurped by Smaug. Thorin is brave and determined but becomes increasingly obsessed with reclaiming his treasure, leading to stubbornness and greed even after his victory.
- Smaug: The dragon who seized the dwarves’ treasure and drove them from their home under the Lonely Mountain. Smaug is cunning, greedy, and fiercely protective of his hoard. His solitary nature and distrust of others make him a formidable antagonist, and his sly words sow discord among Bilbo and the dwarves.
- The Elvenking: The ruler of the wood-elves, who captures Thorin and the dwarves. He later leads his people to the Lonely Mountain to claim a share of the treasure after Smaug’s death, believing the dwarves owe them compensation.
Minor Characters
- Dain: Thorin’s cousin, who arrives with an army of dwarves and ultimately succeeds Thorin as the leader.
- The Master: The self-serving leader of Lake-town, whose primary concern is maintaining his power.
- Gollum: A pitiful, treacherous creature who is obsessed with the ring that Bilbo finds. Gollum’s riddling contest with Bilbo is a pivotal moment in the story.
- The Great Goblin: The leader of the goblins in the Misty Mountains, who captures the dwarves but is killed by Gandalf.
- Elrond: The wise elf-lord of Rivendell, who aids Gandalf and the dwarves by revealing important details about their journey.
- William, Bert, and Tom: Three dim-witted trolls who capture the dwarves but are tricked by Gandalf into fighting until sunrise, when they turn to stone.
- Beorn: A shape-shifter who can transform into a bear, Beorn aids the company after their escape from goblins.
- The Dwarves: Thorin’s companions on the journey to the Lonely Mountain. Each dwarf has his own distinct personality, with some, like Fili and Kili, being particularly close to Thorin, while others, like Bombur, are noted for their unique traits, such as Bombur’s size and laziness.
- Lord of the Eagles: The leader of the eagles who rescues the company from goblins and later aids them in the Battle of the Five Armies.
- Thrush and Rac: A magical bird and an old raven who play roles in guiding the dwarves and delivering messages.
- Bard: The skilled archer who kills Smaug. Afterward, Bard becomes a leader of men, helping to restore peace and order.
- Radagast: Gandalf’s cousin, a wizard who lives in the wild and is acquainted with Beorn.
- Bolg: A goblin who leads an army against the alliance of men, elves, and dwarves in the Battle of the Five Armies.
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