Which character does J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit follow on its central adventure?

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins on its central adventure.

Bilbo begins the story as a hobbit of the Shire who values food, comfort, and predictable routines. Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves recruit him as their burglar for a journey to the Lonely Mountain. Their goal is to reclaim the dwarves’ treasure and kingdom from Smaug.

Bilbo’s character changes during the journey. He shows courage in the Misty Mountains, outwits Gollum in a riddle contest, discovers the ring, and later uses diplomacy and cleverness during the conflict over the treasure. His success does not make him stop loving home, but it gives him a wider understanding of the world.

Bilbo is sometimes confused with Frodo because both are hobbits who carry the One Ring. Frodo is the central character of The Lord of the Rings, while Bilbo is the protagonist of The Hobbit and Frodo’s older cousin and guardian.