No story is complete without a well-defined and interesting protagonist. Some might argue that the protagonist is one of the most important aspects of a story. This is no different for The Hobbit or there and back again. So far, J. R. R. Tolkien has constructed a protagonist that has fit well into the setting and the plot of his novel. This protagonist is a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins.
Bilbo is a humble and despises adventure. This fits in with the hobbit culture that is prominent within the setting of the novel, Middle Earth in the land encompassed in "Thror's Map". This is interesting, because most protagonists in fantasy novels are excited in adventures, or at least are not against them. Bilbo's character, however, starts to change in that he starts to become interested in adventure when the dwarves and Gandalf mention their great adventure to get the dwarves gold back from Smaug, the dragon. This instance of early differentiation in Bilbo's original personality is also interesting. Most protagonists don't make such a great change in their personalities until later in novels. It still goes along with the change and development element that a protagonist must usually have in a story. It also fits in with the sudden introduction of this adventure and the fast pace of the novel.
Bilbo's mood swings from is positive reactions towards the adventure to his desire to go back home is also interesting. Attitude changes such as these are not very prominent in most novels. Sure, protagonists have moments where they wish they were back home, but not usually as much as Bilbo. Another interesting aspect of Bilbo is his polite demeanor. I rarely ever encounter such a generous and hospitable leading character. All of these aspects of Bilbo's character make him such a great protagonist. Not only does he fit in with the novel and the elements of a protagonist, he is very likable which makes the novel much more enjoyable.
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