i didn't appreciate as much when i first read books and watched movies but his character grew on me. ;) the chapters that are the best to illustrate how he is are Window on the West, Siege of Gondor, Steward and the King (don't even want to mention Steward and the King because every passage makes me emo haha) :P
I really thought he had tough time during the war and i haven't had a chance to fill in the gaps that the Prof didn't write about so hope to fill them. :) Thanks for telling me i gave another outlook to you!