Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman: These are the main characters in the epic poem Ramayana composed between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. by the poet Valmiki. Rama, as the prince of Ayodhya, is the hero of the great epic. He is the epitome of truth and righteousness and a role model of dutiful son and king. Sita is his loving wife and Lakshmana is RamaÍs loyal brother. Hanuman is the monkey king, who serves Rama and helps defeat the wicked King Ravana. Hanuman is in turn is revered as the quintessential bhakta (devotee) of Rama.