Explorations in Religious Identity (RE 300 WR)

I don't know if this is technically a character in the Ramayana or not but in chapter 2 Valmiki comes across two birds making love and a hunter shoots one (41).  Valmiki then curses the man saying he will never find a resting place because of his actions (41).  It is very interesting that Valmiki seems to care so much for this bird, a soulless creature.  So much so, that he curses the hunter whose job is to kill animals for food.  The man was doing his job.... 

However, Valmiki acknowledges that this was a poor emotional decision.  "As soon as he had spoken, Valmiki thought to himself, 'What are these words that i uttered in my grief for the bird?'" (41).  I read that as Valmiki immediately recognizing a foolish emotional reaction.  He is a wise man who does not ignore his conscious even when he makes rash decisions.  

While his name is not mentioned much in the readings, Valmiki is also seemingly portrayed as a prideful man with his opening statements on page 35, but we soon realize he was genuine in his curiosity to find "the perfect man."  When he is told the story of Rama, a man greater than he, he doesn't get jealous or envious.  He is pleased with the story and praises Narada for the story of Rama in all his glory (40).