Lakshmana

From earliest childhood Lakshmana, bringer of glory, was always especially fond of his older brother, Rama, delight of the world. Performing every service for him, glorious Lakshmana was like another life breath outside his body, for without him, the best of men could get no sleep.

— "Boyhood" 17.15-17.20

While Rama was the one destined to become a true hero, his three brothers were also considered to be incarnations of the god Vishnu. However, there was no jealousy amongst them; in fact, younger brother Lakshmana was Rama's best friend since childhood. When a wise sage comes to the city of Ayodhya, asking that Rama come on a journey with him to help fight off rakshasas, King Dasaratha only feels comfortable with the idea when it is agreed that loyal Lakshamana will join Rama.

This spiritual journey allows the brothers to hone their skills as warriors, which is expecially helpful when Rama is exiled to the rakshasa-filled forest. Lakshmana has no obligation to go with him, but he knows that the banishment is wrong and wishes to support Rama. While he is married to Sita's sister, Urmila, Lakshmana's ultimate loyalty is to his eldest brother.

His devotion to Rama is clear on the day that Ravana kidnaps Sita. While Rama is off catching a golden deer for Sita, Lakshmana is assigned to watch over her. He does this dutifully until Ravana tricks him by making him believe that Rama is screaming far away. Although Lakshmana respects Rama's orders, he is willing to break them if he thinks Rama is in trouble. Lakshmana even obeys Rama when it causes him pain, such as when he follows Rama’s orders to banish Sita due to false rumors of infidelity. This level of devotion makes Lakshmana a deeply honorable character in the Ramayana.