Jean Valjean: The central figure, a former convict who seeks redemption after 19 years of imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread. His journey involves overcoming prejudice and finding love, while also becoming a symbol of hope and compassion.
* Motivation: To escape his past, find acceptance, and build a life of integrity.
* Relationships:
* Fantine: He becomes a father figure to her daughter, Cosette.
* Cosette: His adopted daughter, who represents his chance for a loving family.
* Javert: His relentless pursuer, a symbol of the law's unforgiving nature.
* Marius: Cosette's love interest, who bridges the gap between Valjean's past and the future he seeks.
Fantine: A young woman driven to desperation by poverty and societal pressures. She sacrifices everything for her daughter, Cosette.
* Motivation: To provide for her daughter, even at her own cost.
* Relationships:
* Cosette: Her beloved daughter, whom she desperately tries to protect.
* Jean Valjean: He becomes a surrogate father to Cosette, fulfilling Fantine's hopes for her daughter's future.
* Thénardiers: The cruel innkeepers who exploit Fantine's vulnerability.
Cosette: A young girl who is orphaned and forced to endure a harsh life with the Thénardiers. She finds love, kindness, and a new family with Valjean.
* Motivation: To escape the cruelty of the Thénardiers and find love and a family.
* Relationships:
* Jean Valjean: Her adoptive father, who provides her with love and stability.
* Marius: Her love interest, with whom she shares a passionate connection.
* Thénardiers: The abusive innkeepers who treat her poorly.
Javert: A stern police inspector who embodies the law's inflexible nature. He relentlessly pursues Valjean, believing that justice demands punishment, regardless of extenuating circumstances.
* Motivation: To uphold the law and maintain order, even if it means being unforgiving.
* Relationships:
* Jean Valjean: His arch-nemesis, representing the potential for redemption and forgiveness that he struggles to comprehend.
* Marius: He sees Marius as a symbol of the revolution and the potential for societal upheaval.
Marius Pontmercy: A young revolutionary student, drawn to Cosette's beauty and strength. He represents the hopes and dreams of the revolutionary movement.
* Motivation: To fight for justice and equality, both in society and in his personal life.
* Relationships:
* Cosette: His love interest, representing hope and a future free from oppression.
* Jean Valjean: He learns to admire Valjean's compassion and becomes a part of his surrogate family.
* Eponine: A young woman who loves him but accepts his love for Cosette.
Thénardiers: A cruel, greedy couple who exploit others for personal gain. They represent the hypocrisy and corruption that permeate French society.
* Motivation: To profit at the expense of others, regardless of the consequences.
* Relationships:
* Cosette: They abuse and mistreat her while profiting from her labor.
* Fantine: They exploit her vulnerability for money.
Eponine Thénardier: The Thénardiers' daughter, who secretly loves Marius but recognizes his love for Cosette. She embodies a tragic romantic figure, forced to accept the harsh realities of love and loss.
* Motivation: To be loved by Marius, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness.
* Relationships:
* Marius: She loves him but understands that he loves Cosette.
* Thénardiers: She is torn between her love for them and her desire for a better life.
Other Notable Characters:
* Enjolras: A revolutionary leader who fights for freedom and equality.
* Gavroche: A street urchin who symbolizes the innocence lost in the struggle.
* Monsieur Madeleine: Valjean's alias, a compassionate factory owner who transforms the lives of his workers.
This is just a brief overview of the main characters. Each character has a complex backstory and a profound impact on the story's themes of love, justice, redemption, and revolution.