Introduction to Les Miserables

Les Miserables is a classic French novel written by Victor Hugo in the early 1800s. It is set in the time of the French Revolution and tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man wrongly imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. Along with Valjean, there are a multitude of characters in Les Miserables, all of whom have their own stories and struggles. From the tragic Fantine to the dynamic Javert, these characters are all integral parts of the novel\’s plot and themes. In this article, we will explore some of these characters and the impact they had on the novel.

Jean Valjean

Jean Valjean is the main protagonist of Les Miserables. He is a convict who was wrongfully imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread and, after his release, is determined to turn his life around and make something of himself. Valjean is a complex character who is constantly struggling with his past and trying to make his future better. He is a heroic figure who is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of his loved ones and for what he believes is right. Valjean is the heart and soul of the novel and is an essential part of the story.

Fantine

Fantine is a tragic character in Les Miserables. She is a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet and provide for her daughter, Cosette. Fantine is forced to resort to desperate measures, such as selling her hair and teeth, in order to make money. She is a victim of her circumstances and the social injustice of the time. Her story is a heartbreaking example of the harsh reality of life in 19th-century France.

Javert

Javert is a police inspector and Valjean\’s primary antagonist. He is a man of rigid morals and is determined to uphold the law at all costs. Javert has a single-minded pursuit of Valjean and will not rest until he is brought to justice. Javert is a complex character who is ultimately driven by his own sense of duty and justice. He is a foil to Valjean and serves as a reminder of the power of the law.

Marius

Marius is a young law student and one of the novel\’s main protagonists. He is a passionate idealist who is determined to fight for the rights of the oppressed and for a better future for all. Marius is a romantic figure who is willing to risk his life for love. He is a complex character who is torn between his sense of duty and his passion for Cosette. Marius is an essential part of the novel\’s plot and themes.

Cosette

Cosette is Fantine\’s daughter and the object of Marius\’ affection. She is a young girl who has been through a lot of hardship in her life. Cosette is a symbol of innocence and hope in the novel and serves as a reminder of the power of love. She is an essential part of the novel\’s plot and themes.

Enjolras

Enjolras is a young revolutionary and a leader of the rebellion against the monarchy. He is a passionate idealist who is determined to fight for the rights of the oppressed. Enjolras is a complex character who is torn between his duty to the revolution and his love for Cosette. He is a heroic figure who is willing to sacrifice everything for what he believes is right.

Conclusion

Les Miserables is a classic novel with a multitude of characters. These characters are all essential to the novel\’s plot and themes, and each one has their own unique story and struggles. From the tragic Fantine to the heroic Enjolras, these characters make the novel what it is. Les Miserables is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.