In Dvaita Vedanta, Atman plays a crucial role as it is considered to be the individual soul or self, separate from the ultimate reality of Brahman. This concept of dualism is in contrast to other schools of Vedanta, such as Advaita, which believe in the ultimate oneness of Atman and Brahman.

According to Dvaita Vedanta, Atman is the eternal, unchanging essence of an individual, while Brahman is the supreme, all-pervading reality. Atman is believed to be the source of consciousness, intelligence, and will, while Brahman is considered to be the source of all existence and the ultimate goal of human life.

One of the main roles of Atman in Dvaita Vedanta is to strive for liberation or moksha, which is the ultimate goal of human existence. This liberation is achieved by realizing the true nature of Atman and its relationship with Brahman. The individual soul must understand that it is distinct from Brahman and strive to unite with it.

Atman is also responsible for experiencing the fruits of one's actions, known as karma. According to Dvaita Vedanta, every action has a consequence, and it is the role of Atman to bear the consequences of its actions. This is because Atman is believed to be the doer of actions, while Brahman is the witness of all actions.

In Dvaita Vedanta, Atman is also seen as a reflection of Brahman. Just as a drop of water is a reflection of the ocean, Atman is believed to be a reflection of the ultimate reality of Brahman. This reflection is what gives Atman its individuality and unique qualities, while still being connected to Brahman.

Furthermore, Atman is also responsible for the cycle of birth and death, known as samsara. It is believed that Atman goes through multiple births and deaths until it achieves liberation and unites with Brahman. This cycle of samsara is seen as a result of ignorance and attachment to the material world, which can only be overcome by realizing the true nature of Atman and its relationship with Brahman.

In conclusion, Atman plays a crucial role in Dvaita Vedanta as the individual soul, separate from Brahman. Its main purpose is to strive for liberation and realize its true nature as a reflection of Brahman. By understanding the role of Atman, one can gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy of Dvaita Vedanta and its teachings on the relationship between the individual soul and the ultimate reality of Brahman.