The main characters of The Lord Of The Rings movie trilogy are closely based on J.R.R. Tolkein's books of the same name. Tolkein drew inspiration from Norse and Celtic mythology to create the archetypes of his characters. This is probably why many of them are larger-than-life characters that feel drawn straight from legend.
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The hobbits are decidedly less legendary and make unlikely heroes. Tolkein wanted his readers to relate to these small and innocent creatures who are thrown into difficult situations. The hobbits may be small, but they have important roles to play in the storyline and in the fight for Middle Earth.
The Underdog Hero: Frodo Baggins
Frodo is one of the most unlikely heroes imaginable, portraying a classic Underdog archetype. Being a hobbit, he is no match in strength for any of the foes he comes across. He has no special power or magic, and no training in battle. Like the other hobbits, he also fulfills the Innocent archetype, being naive about the world outside the peaceful, insular Shire.
As a Hero, Frodo is tasked with saving Middle Earth by destroying Sauron's Ring of Power. Frodo proves his worth as a Hero while he undergoes trials and self-sacrifice on his dangerous quest to Mordor with Sam.
The Caregiver: Samwise Gamgee
Sam is a perfect example of the archetypical Caregiver. He is kind and generous, putting others' needs before his own. He may be set on his journey at the behest of Gandalf, but he never begrudges his duty, simply wanting to be of use to Frodo on his difficult quest. Sam won't abandon his friend. He is thoughtful and practical, and can often be seen cooking up a meal, shouldering a pack, or giving heartfelt support and companionship to Frodo.
Caregivers are often gentle, being stirred to anger only when protecting someone else. Samwise is extremely distrustful of Gollum and fears that he will hurt Frodo. This accounts for why the otherwise innocent and gentle Sam behaves in such a harsh and cruel manner towards the Trickster.
The Leader/Mentor: Gandalf
Gandalf is clearly the Leader of the Fellowship, as well as the Mentor or Wise Man. He uncovers the truth about Bilbo's ring and sets Frodo on the first leg of his quest to take the ring away from the Shire. Once the Fellowship is formed, he provides guidance and leadership in the planning of the group's journey. In true Leader fashion, when the group is threatened in the Mines of Moria, Gandalf sacrifices himself to save the others.
As a Mentor, Gandalf is very wise and often seems all-knowing. He is a keeper of secrets and esoteric knowledge and is always ready to use his wisdom to aid others. This includes supporting and encouraging others with his words of wisdom, which give fans some of the best LOTR quotes.
The Warrior/Leader: Aragorn
At the beginning of the LOTR movies, Aragorn is a Warrior. He is trained in battle and is resourceful, competent, and confident. He is also courageous and honorable, commanding the respect and love of the elves, and the trust and friendship of Gandalf. For all that, he does not become a Leader until later.
Aragorn begins the trilogy as the mysterious outcast Strider, but once he decides to accept the responsibilities of leadership, he transforms from Warrior into Leader. He begins to do this as a part of the Fellowship, and later completes his transformation by leading armies and reclaiming the throne of Gondor.
The Jester: Merry and Pippin
Meriadoc (Merry) Brandybuck and Peregrin (Pippin) Took are much more mischievous than your usual hobbit. These cousins are always out to have a good time and can get into a fair amount of trouble for it. Fans are introduced to the two Jesters after they successfully steal and set off one of Gandalf's fireworks during Bilbo's birthday party in the Shire.
These playful and carefree hobbits provide a light-hearted contrast to the more serious characters and storyline. They provide comedic relief through their antics and cluelessness. These Jesters are behind many of the funniest scenes in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
The Trickster: Gollum
Gollum manipulates and deceives in order to achieve his aim of being close to the One Ring. His split personality vacillates between wanting to be helpful to Frodo and waiting for an opportunity to take what he wants. Gollum's alter-ego, Smeagol, is a remnant of the hobbit he used to be before the Ring corrupted him. At times, the trickster is gone and we are left with the tragic character of Smeagol the Innocent.
The Ally: The Fellowship
All of the members of the Fellowship of the Ring are Allies to the main Hero and his quest. The Fellowship is tasked with helping Frodo to achieve his purpose in delivering the ring to Mount Doom.
Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir are primarily Allies and Warriors. As viewers have seen, the other Fellowship members have additional roles to play.
The Huntress: Eowyn
The Huntress is a free spirit, whose independence of thought and competent self-sufficiency can cause her to be an outcast in a patriarchal society. Eowyn embodies the archetype of the diminished Huntress, as she seeks to free herself from a confining life. She can't help but feel passed over when she is forbidden from fighting for her people in the Battle of Pelennor Fields.
The Huntress is a competent and fierce woman whose ambition for freedom and authenticity cannot be contained. Eventually, Eowyn decides she can no longer sit on the sidelines and, disguised, rides into battle and kills the Witch-King of Angmar.
The Queen: Galadriel
The Queen is a powerful and confident woman, who knows her own worth. Galadriel is a benefactress, providing refuge, advice, and valuable gifts for the Fellowship as they pass through Lothlorien. She is also a sorceress of great power.
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As powerful as she is, however, Galadriel does not offer to help the Fellowship in their quest to destroy the One Ring. Her loyalty is to her people, to guide and protect them in the days to come. She does, however, eventually send elves to the defense of Helm's Deep.
The Villain/Monster: Sauron
The ultimate antagonist in the LOTR trilogy is, of course, Sauron. He is the Villain that must be undermined and defeated to protect Middle Earth. He's evil, pure and simple, and wants to control and enslave Middle Earth.
He is also a Monster, a being much more powerful and terrifying than any human villain could be. He is not human, or elvish, but rather a sort of demi-god with the power to live forever and can regenerate after his defeat. His otherworldly powers and allies make him an extremely formidable foe.