What character traits describe Gandalf in The Hobbit?

The grey wizard Gandalf is one of the best known and most beloved characters from J. R. R. Tolkien's novels, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.  The narrator introduces him as an adventurous character:

"Gandalf! If you had heard only a quarter of what I have heard about him, and I have only heard very little of all there is to hear, you would be prepared for any sort of remarkable tale" (5).

Gandalf remains an interesting character throughout The Hobbit due to his many varied character traits.

Wise

Gandalf is wise.  He has the insight to see a people's potential and the wisdom to direct them in ways that might best develop it.  He chooses Bilbo for Thorin's company, because he sees past the small hobbit exterior and recognizes Bilbo's loyal heart and clever mind.

Meddlesome

Gandalf is extremely meddlesome, often involving himself and others in dangerous plots and quests.  Bilbo had absolutely no mind at all to go on an adventure with dwarves.  After Gandalf's clever arrangement to have all of the dwarves show up for tea however, the allure and excitement of Thorin's tale and song lures Bilbo into joining.

Brave

Gandalf is brave.  He is one of the most intrepid members of the expedition and faces down the worst of foes with grim determination.  After harrowing chases with goblins through the mountains, Gandalf does not panic when they are again pursued by wolves, but merely directs the company up the nearest trees.  He is brave, but this does not mean that he is not "dreadfully afraid," because he is.  Gandalf's courage helps him to be a strong leader.

Powerful

Gandalf's gift for magic makes him a powerful ally.  Several times in The Hobbit he uses magic to save the dwarves and Bilbo from a dire situation, like when he conjured the "tower of blue glowing smoke" to distract the Goblin King in the Misty Mountains (61).

Crafty

Gandalf is extremely crafty and cunning.  He excels at clever plans and arrangements.  A great example of this is when Thorin's company prepares to go to the Carrock to meet Beorn, who does not like strangers very much.  Instead of all fifteen of them showing up on Beorn's doorstep at once, Gandalf hatches a plan for the dwarves to arrive in pairs in five minute intervals as Gandalf tells Beorn the exciting tale of their adventure so far.  This strategy works brilliantly and the story distracts Beorn enough that he does not really mind the arrival of a few more house guests.

What type of character is Gandalf in The Hobbit?

There are several ways literary scholars classify, or group, characters. Sometimes we talk about protagonists (main characters) and antagonists (opposing characters). Other times we talk about static characters—characters who don't change much in a story and often play a short role. Finally, we talk about changing or dynamic characters, which are individuals who shift and change, often playing a more significant role in a story.

Gandalf is not a protagonist in our story; the story does not focus on him. He's a supporting character who comes alongside Bilbo and his friends on their journey to the Lonely Mountain. He plays a very significant role in the plot by encouraging Bilbo to accompany the dwarves and to act as their jewel thief. Gandalf constantly shows that he believes in Bilbo, though Bilbo begins the story with minimal courage. One time when we see Gandalf's belief in Bilbo's strength is when he says:

"In fact I will go so far as to send you on this adventure. Very amusing for me, very good for you -- and profitable, too, very likely . . ." (ch. 1)

Gandalf chooses Bilbo to go on this adventure to the Lonely Mountain. Even when the dwarves look down upon Bilbo, saying, "He looks more like a grocer than a burglar!" (ch. 1), Gandalf defends him.

"You asked me to find the fourteenth man in your expedition, and I chose Mr. Baggins. Just let any one say I chose the wrong man or the wrong house, and you can stop at thirteen and have all the bad luck you like, or go back to digging coal" (ch. 1).

Gandalf is continually supportive of Bilbo, reminding the dwarves that he has more bravery and strength than anyone initially thinks.

Gandalf accompanies them for portions of their journey, and he rescues them from their enemies at several points. For example, he protects Bilbo and the dwarves from the trolls, Bert, Tom, and Bill, who are trying to eat them in chapter 2.

Overall, Gandalf is a supporting character. He's important but not a protagonist. Gandalf is consistently good, selfless, and helpful to those around him. He does not change significantly in the novel, so we would consider him a static character. Even so, he plays a very important roll in The Hobbit.

What type of character is Gandalf in The Hobbit?

Gandalf is a good wizard, a kind, often humorous, but wise leader. He recruits Bilbo, an unassuming Hobbit, to join a group of Dwarves on a journey because he discerns that Bilbo has potential. Gandalf is a very powerful wizard who could solve almost all problems himself if he wanted, but he prefers to develop the talents of other creatures when he can. 

Gandalf has a marked tendency to flit here and there to take care of other responsibilities. This leaves Bilbo on his own to cope with dangerous situations without his help. While this may seem unreliable on Gandalf's part, it allows Bilbo to learn to think for himself and hone his leadership skills. 

Adventure always seems to emerge alongside of Gandalf. As the text says:

Gandalf! If you had heard only a quarter of what I have heard about him, and I have only heard a very little of all there is to hear, you would be prepared for any sort of remarkable tale. Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion.

What are Bard's character traits in The Hobbit?

Bard is a fairly well-developed character even though he enters the story near its end. There are a number of clear character traits and several more that can be inferred from the text. I’ll give you a few examples to get you thinking.

Bard stays until the very end of the battle of Esgaroth. His company has fled and he is down to his last arrow when the thrush finds him and tells him of the dragon’s weakness. This demonstrates that Bard is courageous. He is also proud, which we see as he comes back from the battle, declaring himself to be the slayer of the dragon. He does not, however, seem to be arrogant, since he defers to the Master of the town in the conversation that follows. Roac the crow declares Bard to be trustworthy when he speaks with Thorin regarding the approaching men, telling him to speak with Bard rather than the Master. And we see Bard fulfill that trust when he lays the Arkenstone to rest with Thorin after the battle.

We can infer that Bard is strong, as he draws a large bow, and that he is disciplined, because one needs much practice with such a weapon to become a good shot and captain of a company. You might also call him measured, as he seems to consider his words and actions carefully.

There are more traits to discover, but this should give you a good start.