I have a concern regarding Strider - and I say Strider and not Aragorn deliberately to start with - and his 'duality' as portrayed in the text vs the movies.  I haven't read the LOTR since before the movies came out, and I must rely on those who are more agile with the text.  I'm inundated with work and studies, and I have little time to spare.  No excuse, I know... :)

I find I am agitated with the way the movies have given Strider the image of a person running from something, and I would like to refute what I feel in my heart is the truer vision.  I believe Strider was hunted, benefited from anonymity, was dedicated to very dangerous protective endeavor, and was biding time and watching for an opening to exploit.  I think he knew exactly who he was and what - eventually - needed to happen, but that the opening was not there.  I know Gandalf had counseled with him a great deal; but I am loathe to think any prodding was happening at all, and instead it was educated and calculated planning.  Once the Ring surfaced, furthermore, I think Aragorn, having been mindful of what needed to happen and ready to either do it or pass on the knowledge of what to do and when to an heir, stepped up to the plate quite nicely and continued to know up from down from there on out.

I would like to know where I might find the most telling evidence of or contrary evidence to this.  This being for my personal edification, please feel no need to be prompt at all.  I have the texts, so page numbers and passages are welcome.

Turin, son of Hurin
Agarwaen, son of Umarth