Mantharā
Mantharā isn't a main character per se, but her presence is so important to pushing the narrative forward. She is described as having no known origin which adds to her intrigue as a character (p. 111). Her investment in making sure that Bharata is the heir instead of Rāma is very interesting. She seems to have a very mysterious air about her which makes me wish she was a larger part of the overall story. I love the line, "Mantharā was bent on Rāma's destruction and making trouble," because it draws you in and adds suspense to what is about to happen (114). Ultimately, Mantharā ends up being successful in her attempts to get rid of Rāma, but that comes back to haunt her when Śatrughna tries to kill her for what she's done (170).
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