Since the obvious Rama has been taken...
1) Viswamithra (5)
2) This character is profoundly wise and well respected by the people of Kosala, including King Dasaratha. Viswamithra's astuteness can be derived by the conversation he has with the king about how Rama must leave to become matured. In anticipation for Dasaratha to impart Rama, Viswamithra says "A seed that sprouts at the foot of its parent tree remains stunted until it is transplanted." (9). Not only does he show great wisdom, but he posesses the ability to meditate so that he could become impervious to heat, cold, hunger, fatigue, and decrepitude (1, 13)
3) I believe that Viswamithra is similar in character to Mentor in The Odyssey because that is the role he plays for Rama. Viswamithra encourages and trains Rama because it is his duty to do so, just as it is Rama's duty to protect Viswamithra. Before V. and R. defeat Thataka, V. told the king, "Yes, I will look after both, though their mission will be to look after me" (10).
4) Viswamithra is not a hero because in the context of "Ramayana", his duty is to be the seeker of Rama. His purpose is to create an environment for Rama to grow as a character until he reaches fulfillment.
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I have to disagree that Viswamithra cannot be a hero because of the context of the "Ramayana". I think that he can be characterized as a hero because of the points that you have made. Those characteristics in him and his job of protecting th brothers can be acknowledged as heroic.
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