LES MISERABLES: FREE STUDY GUIDE / BOOK SUMMARY

KEY LITERARY ELEMENTS

SETTING

France in the 1800's during the period of the Restoration. The major action is in Paris, but some episodes take place in neighboring towns.

CHARACTER LIST

Major Characters

Jean Valjean
The ex-convict who had been imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. Primary protagonist.

Monsiegneur Bienvenu
The benevolent priest of the first book whose generosity and self sacrifice changes Valjean.

Cosette
The child of Fantine whom Valjean raises as his granddaughter.

Javert
The inspector of police who’s lifelong ambition is to put Valjean back behind bars.

Marius
College student and idealist who falls in love with Cosette.

M. Gillenormand
Grandfather of Marius. Representative of the old bourgeois.

Thenardier
The paragon of evil both in character and in representation of other negative forces.

Minor Characters

Fantine
Cosette’s mother. Has Cosette during a relationship with a college student who leaves her without marrying her or providing for the child. Fantine is forced to leave Cosette with someone who will supposedly take care of her while Fantine works for her support.

M. Fauchelevant
An old gardener whom Valjean rescues when a cart falls on him. Later helps provide a place of refuge for Valjean and Cosette.

Eponine
Daughter to Thenardier.

Enjolras
College student-primary leader of the insurrection. His mistress is France.

Gavroche
Son of Thenardier.

Felix Tholomyes, Listolier, Fameuil, Blacheville
Students

Champmathieu
Another convict who is captured and believed to be Valjean.

Sister Simplice, Sister Perpetue
The nuns who take care of Fantine.

Colonel George Pontmercy
Marius’ father.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo Free BookNotes Summary

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