Even without the danger of being strangled in one's sleep, Gollum's constant sniveling, groveling, hissing, and talking to himself would grate on anyone's nerves. Sam finds him a singularly unpleasant travel companion, and readers agree. Corrupt and vindictive, he cheats, steals, lies, sneaks, and betrays. Characters variously describe him as "wretched," a "vile creature," a liar, a thief, and a murderer - all of which are quite true. Gollum does not receive many compliments in the text.
Summary and Analysis: The Fellowship of the Ring.