A Note and Lessons on Hindu Dharma:
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva (The trinity of creation, order, and destruction):
http://veda.wikidot.com/hinduism

Plot summaries and emphases

One plot summary focuses on the larger sequence of the seven kandas:
http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index1.php?id=summary

Another focuses its commentary on Sita's humiliation:
http://www.oocities.org/india505/vramayana.htm

I offer the following grid to focus on the dharma of the text:

ENGL 4333: World Literature                      Ramayana Analysis Grid

The Ramayana is didactic, an allegory of Hinduism, namely Dharma: “The purpose of Dharma is not only to attain a union of the soul with the supreme reality, but also to uphold a code of conduct that is intended to secure both worldly joys and supreme happiness. Rishi Kanda has defined dharma in Vaisesika as “that confers worldly joys and leads to supreme happiness.” Hinduism is the religion that suggests methods for the attainment of the highest ideal and internal bliss here and now on earth and not somewhere in heaven. For example, it endorses the idea that it is one’s dharma to marry, raise a family and provide for that family in whatever way is necessary. The practice of dharma gives an experience of peace, joy, strength and tranquility within one’s self and makes life disciplined” (Das 1). For our purposes we will examine three parts of the whole narrative for how they model the dharmic life: 4-6; 151-169; & 161-167

Dharmaà (Karma shaped by Dharma) Character↓	Patience (dhriti)	Forgiveness (kshama)	Piety/self- Control (dama)	Honesty (asteya)	Sanctity (schauch)	Sensory Control (indraiya- Nigrah)	Reason (dhí)	Knowledge /Learning (vidya)	Truthful- ness (satya)	Absence of Anger (krodha)
Dashartha (King)
Rama
Ravana
Kaushlaya Kaikeyi Sumitra
Sita
Rakshasa Princess
Bharata
Lakshmana
Hanuman