Balin

Character Profile:

Not long after Smaug took over the ‘Lonely Mountain’ a fight broke out including The Orks and the dwarfs. One of the very few who survived is a dwarf named Balin. Balin is a member of Thorin Oakenshield’s party of dwarves who went on a quest to retrieve what had been stolen from them. Throughout the gripping adventure, Balin appears to be a particular character who becomes a close companion with Bilbo Baggins. This is indicated in the novel when Bilbo was down and homesick, Balin would comfort him.

Characterisation:

Balin is a highly respected individual in The Hobbit by reason of him being the oldest of the dwarves. This encourages the other characters to visualize him as a father figure. In addition to this, multiple times throughout the novel Balin presents his fatherly instincts for instance when he provided advice to the other dwarves. He often spoke to Thorin about his personal opinion on specific matters to do with he quest and that Thorin’s decision wouldn’t impact their relationship.

Character Development:

Balin’s character develops countlessly throughout the novel. For example the relationship between Balin and Bilbo evolves drastically, as result becoming close friends. It is also apparent that his patience with Thorin develops due to Balin’s confidence increasing. At the start he was leniant and hesitant with Thorin when he was in the wrong and Balin had his doubts. As the novel progresses, he realises that even though Thorin’s character is controlling and intimidating, Balin can stand up for himself and go with his gut instinct as oppose to following something that may appear incorrect or unjust.