[Wiscott]

I think there needs to be a distinction in this discussion between characters/things that parallel each other and characters/things that oppose each other.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but two parallel characters (in my mind anyway) are similar to each other, and by the striking similarity (of attitude or action) emphasize that attitude or action in each other. A good example of this kind of relationship would be the aformentioned pair of Aragorn and Faramir in how they "threaten" the hobbits (on a side note, I would say that Faramir was never threatening: he was merely thinking and weighing consequences in his mind in a practical way).

On the other hand, some of the examples given are really contrasts, not what I would call parallels. The distinction (again, in my mind at least) is more like the one between parallel lines and perpendicular lines. Example: Galadriel and Shelob are pretty much complete opposites in most areas, and so those areas which are contrasting between the two are emphasized in our minds.

I know that nobody here doesn't see the distinction in the posts, but it would make it a bit easier if you would include in a post whether you mean to contrast or compare. Thanks!