Do we like them?

Do we like Arwen?

A character from The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955)

Our score: 8 out of 10. Yes, we'd back her. She's steadfast, brave and kind, and she makes a huge personal sacrifice. She just doesn't get much time to do heroic things.

Arwen is the daughter of Elrond, lord of the Elven refuge of Rivendell. She is known as Undómiel, the Evenstar, for her beauty and grace. The Lord of the Rings follows the quest to destroy the One Ring. Arwen is not one of the Fellowship, but she is tied to its fate through her love for Aragorn, a Ranger of the North.

In Tolkien's book she is a quiet presence. She appears mostly at Rivendell and in the appendices, where her story is told in full. Her influence still matters. Aragorn draws strength and purpose from his promise to her, and her father will not allow the match until Aragorn has proved himself worthy. Peter Jackson's films, with Liv Tyler in the role, give her a much bigger part. She is shown as a capable, defiant figure who helps protect others and urges her people to hold on to hope.

Our score is 8. She is wise, loyal, gentle and brave, and she harms no one. She loses a few points because the book gives her little to do, so her goodness is shown more through devotion than through deeds. The choice she makes for love is the most meaningful thing she does. It means giving up the immortal life of her people, and it is a very good reason to back her.