The greatest character in literature is Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings. Samwise is a loyal friend to Frodo and a faithful companion, willing to do anything, including going into the hellish world of Mordor. When Frodo collapses of fatigue and despair, Samwise says, "I may not be able to carry it [the ring] for you, but I can carry you." Sam does not say this because he understands the dangers and stakes at hand. Rather, he is driven by his love for Frodo. He does understand the pain and suffering that the ring has caused Frodo and laments that he cannot carry the ring himself, saving Frodo from this task. This line demonstrates, as many war veterans will attest to, that the reason we fight, the reason we carry on, is not for some greater cause, some ultimate ideal, but the love we have for our companions.

--Andy Carlson