Final answer:
In 'The Hobbit', Bilbo's attempt at theft and Gandalf's timely deception are key actions in resolving the troll conflict. These moments showcase ingenuity and the influence of a trickster, contributing to the story's falling action where tension lessens.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Bilbo and the dwarves encounter trolls in chapter two. Throughout this conflict, the key traits or actions that help them resolve the situation include ingenuity, cunning, and the intervention of a third party, Gandalf. Bilbo attempts to show his worth and prove himself as the group's burglar by trying to pickpocket the trolls; however, he is caught, and the situation escalates as the dwarves come to his aid, leading to their capture. It is ultimately Gandalf's cunning that distracts the trolls until dawn, turning them to stone and freeing the party. This shows how the thematic element of trickery and the role of a trickster are used not just by the villains in literature, such as Krogstad in Henrik Ibsen's play, but also by the heroes, as exhibited by Gandalf's timely deception. This conflict and its resolution are a key part of the narrative's falling action, where tension begins to dissipate, leading toward the adventure's continuation.