Now that I think about it: there is some resemblance in Boromir and some prominent Christian figures say (St.) Peter. Let me clarify. I don't mean Boromir was an allegory of Peter but that the way he first turned from the "right path" and fell when he was tempted but then rose again afterwards makes me think of Peter denying Jesus and so becoming the worst traitor but then rising to his later "renown".
I might mention that I'm greatly influenced by E. Auerbach's Mimesis on this occasion. His description of Peter's fate stresses the meaning of the huge breaks: only through his fall, through the humiliation he felt he could rise to the greatness of character which is essential in his later figure. From high through fall back to the glory, you might say. Anyone else see Boromir in this light?
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Never forget Boromir threw off the Ring's influence alone and unaided, 'few have won such a victory' as Aragorn tells him. Even Bilbo needed Gandalf's help to give up the Ring.
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It's true Boromir eventually overcame the temptation but it's not fair to Bilbo to draw this kind of parallel. Boromir never wore the Ring whereas Bilbo had been influenced by it for 60 years or so. They weren't in any way comparable situation.
[ April 13, 2003: Message edited by: Annunfuiniel ]