The importance of Tolkien's minor characters

[Failivrin]

Shagrat and Gorbg and their respective orcs: if Sam had not heard them discussing how Frodo wasn't dead, he would never have gone to save him and the quest would most likely have failed. Also, if they hadn't been figting in Minas Morgul, Sam would never have reached Frodo uncaptured or alive.

Gwaihir and Landroval: who would have saved Gandalf in Isengard? Who would have saved Frodo and Sam from the fires of the erupting Orordruin? i suppose this applies to eagles in general.

Elladan and Elrohir: who knows what dangerous orcs they killed out fighting when everybody else was feasting?

Bill Ferny and the squint eyed southener: i don't know if these are counted minor, but what would have happened if they had not told the Ringwraiths about Frodo's disappearing act? and who would they hae acquired a pony from?

Ahhhhh, the fox, the sweet fox.