Heroes, Fools, and Knaves of Middle Earth
The Lord of the Rings is a sprawling, epic, and sometimes messy tale. It’s an enduring classic that’s given us everything from noble kings to slimy creatures who lurk in the shadows of mountains. While many of the characters are legendary—inspiring even—others cause our stomachs to clench in anger and disgust whenever they appear upon the page. They’re evil, they’re cowardly; they’re wretched in every way. Here’s our take on the ten worst and ten best.
1. Denethor
The Steward of Gondor is a pivotal character and ancestor of the Dúnedain, the descendants of the Númenóreans. Although wise and influential, he’s also a total emotional wreck. In the novels, he spends a tremendous amount of time looking into the Palantír, allowing Sauron to corrupt him with false visions of the future.
2. Gríma Wormtongue
Even his name sounds vile, as if you’d need to wash your hands after shaking his. Manipulative and greasy, this servant of Saruman whispered poison spells into King Théoden’s ear, aging him prematurely and leaving him open to the manipulation of the enemy until he was rescued by the Fellowship—Gandalf specifically.
3. Saruman
A member of the Maiar, Saruman is an immortal angelic spirit sent to Middle-earth to guide the people living there. He should’ve been wiser and above temptation, but he eventually succumbed to the power of the Ring and Sauron’s corrupting influence. When he was eventually slain by Wormtongue, his spirit was denied access to Valinor.
4. Bill Ferny
This shady informant and troublemaker in Bree may be a minor character, but he’s memorably annoying. He sells out strangers for a few coins, then skulks off. He even has dealings with the Black Riders of Sauron. We’ve all met a Bill Ferny type: petty, greedy, and spineless.
5. Lobelia Sackville-Baggins
A distant relative by marriage to Bilbo Baggins, Lobelia is obsessed with material possessions and is constantly stealing spoons and trying to claim Bag End. Her pettiness is almost impressive. While others battle cosmic darkness and death, she’s just scheming over Shire real estate.
6. The Mouth of Sauron
This sinister character only appears briefly, but boy does he leave an impression. The chief emissary and spokesperson of Sauron, this corrupted man is described as having a blackened and disfigured face, with a mouth like a bleeding wound—corrupted by speaking the words of the Dark Lord.
7. Lotho Sackville-Baggins
Petty, greedy, and a bit of a coward, Lotho is also a somewhat tragic character. In the absence of the great heroes returning from their quest, Lotho seizes Bag End and declares himself “Chief” of the Shire, trying to impose control over the hobbits. He surrounds himself with hired ruffians and slowly turns a once-peaceful community into a shadow of itself.
8. Gollum
Yes, he’s an essential character who arguably is the most pivotal in the destruction of the Ring. While his story is tragic and fascinating, his moral vacillating is also quite exhausting. The constant back-and-forth between his two alter egos, the whining, the betrayal—it all makes you wish Frodo would just send him packing.
9. The Witch-king of Angmar
As the leader of the Nazgûl, this character is both terrifying and relentless. He functions as the embodiment of fear and evil, an almost unstoppable force that demonstrates the true corrupting power of the Ring. In the books, his presence is chilling, especially during the Siege of Gondor and his duel with Éowyn.
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
10. Shelob
Created by Ungoliant, a primordial spirit of darkness, Shelob is a giant malignant spider lurking in Cirith Ungol. She is terrifying, merciless, and a true predator that feasts on the orcs and goblins within Sauron’s domain. Sam’s unexpected defeat of her is one of the most heroic moments in the books.
Here are the 10 best Lord of the Rings characters:
1. Samwise Gamgee
The heart of the story, Sam is Frodo’s loyal and humble gardener turned adventurer. He carries Frodo—literally and emotionally—when everything seems lost. We don’t deserve Sam. Few fictional characters radiate such pure goodness.
2. Aragorn
One of the most deeply layered characters from the series, he is a direct descendant of Isildur and heir to the throne of Gondor. This rugged ranger turned inspiring leader is the sort of figure who could both heal you with athelas and cut down an orc with effortless grace. He makes destiny feel earned.
3. Gandalf
Another member of the Maiar, this magical wizard guide is known for fireworks at parties and his epic speeches before battles. Throughout the series, he guides, nudges, and occasionally scolds. And when he falls in Moria, our stomachs can’t help but clench as if he were a living, breathing friend of ours. His resurrection was a pleasant surprise.
4. Éowyn
She’s not just a warrior with a sword; she’s a woman bound by the rigid expectations of Rohan society, aching for purpose beyond her courtly duties. Not only is she brave enough to ride with the Riders of Rohan and face the Witch-king, she’s clever and strategic, hiding her identity under armor.
5. Legolas
In Tolkien’s books, Legolas is quieter and more understated than in the movies, but he’s no less formidable. He notices everything, whether it’s a tiny sign of movement in the forest, the slightest shift in enemy lines, or the whisper of a distant river. He’s nimble, precise, and deadly with a bow, blending elegance with a stoic calm inherent to the race of elves.
6. Frodo
The Ring-bearer carries the burden longer than any other could. He falters, complains, and suffers intensely in the quiet torment of carrying the Ring’s weight. He is defined more by his endurance than heroics; every step toward Mordor is a test of his will, morality, and resilience.
7. Boromir
This character is flawed and heartbreakingly human. His temptation by the Ring is intimate and real, not just symbolic; he wants the Ring not for himself but because he truly believes it is the only hope of his people. His last stand is stunning and redemptive, allowing him to regain his honor as he defends Merry and Pippin to his last breath.
8. Merry and Pippin
They start as mischievous, curious, comic relief hobbits—stealing vegetables, sneaking off on adventures, and laughing through danger. But Tolkien shows their growth is genuine: Merry becomes a strategic mind in Rohan’s battles, Pippin proves his courage in Gondor, saving Faramir from peril.
9. Galadriel
She is terrifying, luminous, and impossibly ancient. She sees into the hearts of all who visit Lothlórien and offers gifts that shape the quest—like the phial of light, lembas, and subtle counsel. The combination of otherworldly might and deliberate kindness makes her regal in every sense of the word.
10. Faramir
Unlike his brother Boromir, he resists the lure of the Ring entirely. He values wisdom over glory, mercy over brute strength, and knowledge over power. His love for Éowyn is tender and mutual, two weary souls finding comfort and respect after having both suffered much.
