The importance of Tolkien's minor characters

[Gilwen]

And also, I've always had a feeling that the fox in the Shire was of great importance

Me too

Ghan buri Ghan, Tom Bombadil, Goldberry, Haldir, Imrahil, the Warden-fellow at the Houses of Healing, Hama, Elfhelm(curse those tree roots!).
Come to think of it, I think alot of my favorite people could be considered "minor." Maybe that's what makes LOTR such a great book-Tolkien's supporting characters aren't just cardboard cutouts.