Character Analysis: Les Misérables

Major Characters

The characters in Les Misérables are carefully constructed to embody the central conflicts of the narrative. Victor Hugo uses character relationships to explore themes of historical fiction.

Protagonist

The protagonist undergoes significant transformation throughout Les Misérables, moving from an initial state of limited understanding to a more complex, mature perspective by the novel's conclusion.

Antagonist & Conflict

The central conflict in Les Misérables is driven by opposing values and worldviews. The antagonist — whether a person, society, or internal force — represents the obstacles the protagonist must overcome.

Minor Characters

Supporting characters in Les Misérables serve crucial narrative functions: they reflect, contrast, or challenge the protagonist's arc, enriching the reader's understanding of the book's central themes.