Writing Complex Characters
Few characters in literature evoke the mix of emotions that Smeagol, also known as Gollum, inspires. J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterful crafting of this fractured personality in The Lord of the Rings makes Smeagol a fascinating study in guilt, survival, and duality. At once pitiful and dangerous, humorous and tragic, Smeagol represents the best and worst of human nature—presented through a creature that is no longer quite human. This article explores the co-dependent relationship between Smeagol and Gollum, the burden of guilt that haunts him, the nuances that make him a sympathetic character, and what writers can learn about creating complex figures who transcend the boundaries of morality and relatability.
The Tragic Origins of Smeagol and Gollum
Smeagol’s descent into darkness begins with an act of murder, setting the stage for the guilt and inner conflict that define his existence. When he strangles his friend Déagol to steal the One Ring, it marks the loss of his innocence. What follows is a life consumed by the Ring’s corrupting influence, which amplifies his worst impulses while extinguishing his moral compass.
The co-dependence between Smeagol and Gollum arises as a survival mechanism. Smeagol, the vestige of his former self, clings to shreds of his humanity, desperately seeking redemption and connection. Gollum, on the other hand, is the manifestation of his darker urges: self-serving, manipulative, and wholly consumed by his obsession with the Ring. These two personalities, though seemingly distinct, are inseparable. Gollum shields Smeagol from the full weight of his guilt by taking the blame for their worst actions, while Smeagol provides Gollum with a veneer of plausibility when manipulating others. The result is a symbiotic relationship that sustains their fractured psyche.
Humour, Sympathy, and Tragedy: Tolkien’s Balancing Act
What makes Smeagol and Gollum remarkable is Tolkien’s ability to make them humorous and endearing without downplaying their menace. Smeagol’s pitiable attempts to please Frodo and Sam, his childlike speech patterns, and his comical arguments with himself add levity to an otherwise heavy narrative. These moments of humour humanize Smeagol, reminding readers of the person he once was.
At the same time, Tolkien does not shy away from portraying Smeagol’s moral failings. His betrayal of Frodo, though predictable, is heart-wrenching precisely because the audience has seen his potential for goodness. This duality—the capability for both loyalty and betrayal—makes him relatable. Readers recognize their own internal struggles between selfishness and altruism in Smeagol’s constant battles with Gollum.
Relatability Beyond Humanity
Despite his grotesque appearance and monstrous behaviour, Smeagol resonates with the audience on a deeply human level. His yearning for connection and redemption reflects universal desires, while his inability to fully overcome his darker impulses mirrors the struggles many face with addiction, guilt, or personal failings. By showing that Smeagol’s moral struggles are rooted in circumstances largely beyond his control—the corrupting influence of the Ring—Tolkien invites readers to empathize with him rather than condemn him outright.
Lessons for Writers: Crafting Complex Characters
Smeagol and Gollum offer a blueprint for creating characters who are likable, and villainous, but not outright evil. Here are some key takeaways:
Show Inner Conflict: Internal struggles make characters compelling. Smeagol’s fight with Gollum is a literalized version of the internal debates everyone experiences, making him relatable despite his monstrous exterior.
Incorporate Humor: Levity can endear even the most flawed characters to readers. Smeagol’s eccentricities and his odd speech patterns provide comic relief, which softens his more sinister traits.
Highlight Tragic Backstories: Giving characters a reason for their flaws creates sympathy. Smeagol’s fall from grace due to the Ring’s influence transforms him from a villain to a tragic figure.
Blend Good and Bad Traits: A mix of virtues and vices makes characters feel real. Smeagol’s loyalty to Frodo and his yearning for redemption are counterbalanced by his deceitfulness and obsession with the Ring.
Allow for Vulnerability: Vulnerability fosters connection. Smeagol’s desperate attempts to win Frodo’s approval reveal a childlike need for acceptance, making his eventual betrayal all the more poignant.
Avoid Pure Evil: Characters who act out of understandable motivations, even selfish ones, are more engaging than those who are simply evil for its own sake. Gollum’s actions are driven by his addiction to the Ring, not an innate desire to harm.
Smeagol and Gollum are testaments to Tolkien’s skill at crafting multidimensional characters who defy simple categorization. Their co-dependent relationship, fraught with guilt, humour, and tragedy, captures the complexity of human nature in a way that transcends Smeagol’s monstrous form. For writers, Smeagol and Gollum serve as a reminder that the most memorable characters are those who embody contradictions, challenging readers to empathize with their struggles even as they recoil from their flaws. By embracing these lessons, writers can create characters who linger in the minds and hearts of readers long after the story ends.
