Les Misérables Characters: Complete Analysis
Les Misérables features complex characters representing different aspects of society, each embodying themes of the novel.
Jean Valjean stole bread to feed his sister's children and got 19 years in prison for it. Inspector Javert believes in law absolutely and hunts Valjean obsessively. Fantine is the desperate mother who sells her hair, teeth, and body to support her daughter. Cosette is Fantine's daughter who Valjean raises after her mother dies. Marius is the idealistic student revolutionary who falls for Cosette. The Thénardiers are the corrupt innkeepers who exploit everyone they meet.