Which character is least accurately adapted in PJ's trilogy?

Arwen's daughter

Half-elven
Of all the characters in PJ's Lord of the Rings, which one do you think is least like his or her counter-part from Tolkien's original work?
 
is Aragorn, but there were several who were (IMO) unnecessarily changed from their book characters--Faramir, Denethor, Merry, Pippin, Galadriel, Gimli, Haldir, etc., etc.

I didn't mind so much when the characters did different things than they did in the book, but when they were changed into completely different personalities, that's when it didn't go down so well.
 
I identify strongly with book-Merry, the quiet, responsible one, but movie-Merry was nothing like him.

That didn't stick in my craw too much, however. The character who annoyed me most with his difference was the Gandalf of ROTK, who apparently forgot how to use his abilities see Frodo well before he went into Mordor, fell prey to all kinds of self-doubt, and somehow didn't realize the quest would be dangerous for Frodo until that moment in the throne room?
 
from my post about the most accurate portrayal, in the thread below this one.

As I noted in that list, Aragorn and Arwen’s portrayals each strayed from Tolkien in two respects so judging by number of inaccuracies they would tie for most inaccurate; however I didn’t choose them. IMO, the most important quality of a character in LOTR is their relative goodness or evil. The character who strayed most from Tolkien’s portrait in that respect was Faramir. So strictly honorable in the book, so morally inconsistent and disappointing on screen.
 
should I vote "Other"? :/

I appreciate PJ's efforts ---really, I do--- but I'd also still love to kick his arse for a lot of character changes. And much as feel that movie Boromir is *gasp* an improvement over book Boromir, I don't think that can compensate for what was done to my precious Faramir. And don't even get me started on that [bleeping-bleep] "stew" thing....
 
Even after all the explanations, I still cringe when Faramir decides to take Frodo to Gondor. It just didn't work for me at all.
 
The change might've been necessary, but I liked the Denethor in the books far more. He was a wise, far-seeing man who was being manipulated by the palantir to see the wrong things. Combined with losing Boromir, it was understandable (if tragic) that he should go delusional.

Denethor, in the film, was also broken up by grief, but there wasn't enough of the grand and wise in him. He just became this sort of father with a favorite that may well be a decent lord, but didn't have that extra acuity that made his fall feel like a truly great loss.
 
But I had to go with Faramir because he was more important to the story. It bothered me how all the wise characters had to be made more "doubtful" in the film - for what reason? - and Elrond was the most annoying. Aragorn was my least favorite in the first film, but I thought he improved in the second and third movies.
 
I for one, do not think it was tragic to have Faramir being different. It served the movie right. However, one does have to admit that the Faramirs are very different characters.
 
So I'll go with the one whose inconsistency had the biggest impact on the movie: Aragorn. His self-doubt was WAY overblown. Yes, he has a crisis of confidence in the book. But it doesn't form the basis of his character, as it does in the movie. So many of the (IMO negative) changes in the movie flow from Aragorn's lack of self confidence and sense of destiny.

The one that annoys me the most, though, is Radioactive Galadriel.
 
I've posted more than a few times about my thoughts on Denethor. He's supposed to be a wise, noble man gone mad. He lit the beacons and evacuated his city and prepared for a war that he couldn't win. So who is this melodramatic villain that PJ replaced him with?
 
But least accurate..? I'd say Denethor. Not that the movie abdaptation bothered me...He was just a bit psychotic and needed to see a shrink...But then Merry and Pippin are worlds away from who they are in the book..Honestly I like the movie versions. They're way more fun!

Gandalf...he's grumpier in the books...And Frodo isn't as whiney in the movie and Sam isn't such a twit. Viggo's Aragorn doubts himself, but that makes him more human and easier to relate to, at least I think. And Gimli well he's not such a dork either. And Legolas...well...I have issues with him. Honestly...I think he's kinda "fluffy"... [crazy] Not that it's a problem...It's just a big change from Mr. Bloom being all bad @ss and such.

*looks at all the words*
Simple question.
Answer? Way too long...
 
Faramir, while changed, had an explanation for his changes in TTT EE, which made it more bearable. Denethor's story of the Palantir was merely left out, not changed.

Elrond, however, was a complete manipulative p****. His complete negativity affected both Aragorn and Arwen and left negative effects on them. If Elrond had been closer to his book version, Aragorn would certainly have been less self-doubting (since he actually gives Aragorn a small spark of hope into marrying Arwen in the books, while he gives him absolutely no permission at all in the film). He manipulates Arwen into leaving, which I think leads to her sinking into depression.

Yea. How Elrond was written still irks me greatly.
 
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Denethor over Faramir and Aragorn (my 2nd and 3rd choices), because Denethor is given no redeeming qualities in the films. Faramir at last regains his dignity and greatness, Aragorn overcomes the fact that the film seemingly makes him a friendless loser, but Denethor is made ignoble and despicable throughout the movies -- a scheming and evil man who can run a one minute mile while on fire.
 
Whether it was the dialogue or the storyline or John Noble's overacting or a combination of all three, it's just a shame how the character was so distorted.
 
who is one of my favourite people in the book. I am slightly in love with book Faramir. BUT they corrupted him for the movie (sob sob!)

A little aside, Prof Tolkien saw Faramir as most like himself as a person. He certainly is a noble chap in the book!!
 
Things like Gandalf whacking Denethor and Frodo sending Sam away were completely out of character, but they were incidents as opposed to the way the entire character was written.

Denethor, on the other hand, never appears to be the Steward of Gondor that Tolkien writes: "Theoden is a kindly old man. Denethor is of another sort, proud and subtle, a man of far greater lineage and power, though he is not called a king." (RotK, Book V, Chapter I). Denethor as written has wisdom, pride, and courage. Movie Denethor never seems to have traits; he is only portrayed as broken and pitiful.
 
Book Faramir was one of my all-time favorite characters and it was difficult for me to see some of the changes that were written for him in the movies. I loved D.W. in the role, though. I think it was cast beautifully.
 
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