Peter Jackson’s films significantly alter Aragorn’s character compared with J. R. R. Tolkien’s books, despite preserving his central role as a member of the Fellowship, leader of Men and rightful king of Gondor and Arnor. The films portray him as reluctant, self-doubting and burdened by Isildur’s legacy, whereas Tolkien’s Aragorn is confident, proud of his ancestry and determined to reclaim the throne.

The adaptation also expands Aragorn’s romance with Arwen, turning their largely background relationship into a major emotional storyline involving her immortality and Elrond’s opposition. It further delays the reforging of Narsil into Andúril until Aragorn enters the Paths of the Dead, unlike the books, where he receives the sword before leaving Rivendell; these changes add cinematic drama without altering the broader plot.