Shurpanakha

In the Valmiki Ramayana, Shurpanaka is a pivotal character and the sister of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Surpanaka is depicted as a formidable and vengeful demoness with a hideous appearance. She encounters Lord Rama and his companions during their exile in the forest and becomes infatuated with Rama. However, her advances are rejected, leading to her enraged and vengeful state. Surpanaka then tries to attack Sita, leading to Lakshmana severing her nose and ears. This incident sparks the chain of events that ultimately leads to the war between Rama and Ravana. Shurpanaka's character exemplifies the consequences of unchecked desires and serves as a catalyst for the epic's central conflict.