darth_ender said:

I have to add Gollum to my list. I read the Hobbit years ago before the LOTR films came out and thought he was fascinating even then. Almost done rereading it now, and his brief introduction in this book is fun. A bizarre and interesting character, even before LOTR really fleshed him out. I'd probably file him under "love to hate."

Gollum = tragic hero. He didn't ever want power. He only wanted the Ring. Then some jerk stole it from him, and wanted to take back what was rightfully his. At least he died happy...