DIP: 18.02.41/20261101 
DOI: 10.25215/2455/110141 
Abstract
The interpretation of Sita in the Ramcharitmanas has predominantly been on the aspect of her virtue, with little attention being accorded to the situational reasoning and self-regulation involved in her actions. I present a textual-hermeneutic reading of her saga in six episodes, which are her choice to be accompanied by Rama, her actions in Ashoka Vatika, the golden deer episode, her responses to captivity, Agni- Pariksha, and motherhood in Uttarakanda. They reflect a character trait of the cycle of agency, emotional control, sensibility, self-worth, honesty, and resilient mentality. This is supported by the application of Eriksonian identity theory and the character traits model to Sita’s character as evidence of a case-study/formulaic style, which transforms her character from being a subject of hagiography to that of characterology with real significance for character and life-skills education of the upper-primary and secondary school students.
The author(s) appreciates all those who participated in the study and helped to facilitate the research process. 
The author(s) declared no conflict of interest. 
ISSN 2455-670X