1. The Trolls: At first, the trolls seem like fearsome creatures intent on devouring the dwarves and Bilbo. However, they are actually quite bumbling and easily distracted. Their argument over who gets to eat Bilbo first ultimately leads to their downfall, highlighting their foolishness and the fact that appearances can be deceiving.
2. Gollum: Gollum initially appears as a monstrous creature, lurking in the darkness of the caves. However, his history and his obsession with the Ring reveal a complex and tragic being. Gollum is a creature of immense power, yet also a victim of his own greed and the corrupting influence of the Ring. He is capable of both immense cruelty and surprising kindness, making him a character who defies easy categorization.
3. The Elves of Mirkwood: The elves of Mirkwood initially seem beautiful and welcoming, but their true nature is soon revealed. They are suspicious and distrustful of outsiders, and their leader, the Elvenking, is more interested in guarding his treasure than in helping the dwarves. The Elvenking's imprisonment of the dwarves and his manipulation of Bilbo highlight the fact that even seemingly noble creatures can be corrupted by greed and power.
These are just a few examples of how Tolkien uses the theme of appearances versus reality in The Hobbit. This is a common element of fantasy, and it often serves to highlight the importance of judging characters by their actions rather than their outward appearance.