I think
Inziladun has covered the question very well, but another marker to judge a person's character is from other characters:
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"Yes I do know him: the only wizard that really cares about trees," said Treebeard...~Treebeard
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"I would not snare even an orc with a falsehood," said Faramir.
"Were I as hasty as you, I might have slain you long ago. For I am commanded to slay all whome I find in this land without the leave of the Lord of Gondor. But I do not slay man or beast needlessly, and not gladly even when it is needed. Neither do I talk in vain. So be comfoted. Sit by your master, and be silent!"~The Window on the West
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"You have my pity," said Theoden. "And I do not send you from my side. I go myself to war with my men. I bid you come with me and prove your faith."~King of the Golden Hall
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All these people trusted, learned from, or were in some way counselled by Gandalf. They don't sound like the hot tempered, beating type.