Jean Valjean

Jean Valjean is the protagonist of Victor Hugo's book Les Miserables and its musical adaptation, including the 2012 film.

Jean starts out as prisoner whose crime was stealing bread for his sister's children. He is placed on parole, but he has trouble finding a job because of his past. When he is caught by police stealing silverware and plates from a church, the bishop covers for him. This inspires Jean to become a better person.

Years later, Jean has become mayor of a town going by the name Madeleine. He adopts a girl named Cosette after her mother Fantine passes away. Cosette grows up and falls in love with the revolutionary Marius Pontmercy.