The Happenings and Characters of Les Miserables.

Although many state that the convict "Jean Valjean"is the main character is the novel Les Miserables, I slightly disagree. Despite the fact that by page two hundred and eighty two (Penguin Classics Print Version) Jean has already managed to spend nineteen years in prison, steal silver from Monseigneur Charles-Francois-Bienvenu Myriel,as well as a little boy named Petite Gervais, change his whole identity and become Monsieur Madeleine - a well respected mayor all across the region , the story would be nothing without the other characters. These include Monseigneur Myriel (Bishop of Digne), Petite Gervais (a short lived character who gets stolen from), Fantine & Tholomyes who have a daughter named Cosette, The Thenardiers- who end up taking very poor care of Cosette when Fantine must flee the area to find work. Another character is Sister Simplice who works at the hospital and never tells a lie unless it is absolutely nessecary. No story would be complete with just one character,which is why I think they should all be mentioned and spoke about rather than just Jean Valjean/ Monsieur Madeleine. Not unlike real people, these characters have morals and values that they stand by. That is until unimaginable events take place which cause them to change the very fiber of their being. Les Miserables is a beautiful and interesting story that is impossible to put down. It makes you question society today, as well as compare it to society in the time of this novel. How far people are willing to go for money , freedom and love is astounding. Even though I have yet to complete Les Miserables, I strongly reccomend you to pick it up...but only if you want to change your entire outlook on life and the people in it.