Jean Valjean (played by Richard Jordan) is a protagonist in Les Misérables.
The protagonist, an ex-convict who transforms from a hardened prisoner to a compassionate factory owner and mayor. After being spared by a bishop, he dedicates his life to protecting Cosette and helping others, ultimately sacrificing his freedom to save Marius during the Paris uprising. Javert (played by Anthony Perkins) is a protagonist in Les Misérables.
A rigid and relentless police inspector who initially supervises Valjean in Toulon. Obsessed with the law, he pursues Valjean across years, eventually capturing him at the barricade. Valjean's mercy spares him, leading to a psychological breakdown and his eventual suicide in the Seine. Cosette (played by Caroline Langrishe) appears in Les Misérables.
Gillenormand (played by John Gielgud) appears in Les Misérables.
Marius's wealthy grandfather who disapproves of his grandson's radical political views. He refuses to fund Marius's marriage to Cosette, instead insensitively suggesting she become a mistress. He eventually attends the wedding of Cosette and Marius alongside Valjean. Thénardier (played by Ian Holm) appears in Les Misérables.
A dishonest innkeeper who exploits dying patients and abandons his daughter Cosette. Valjean pays to ransom Cosette from his care, ending their interactions as Valjean removes her from his corrupt environment. Fantine (played by Angela Pleasence) appears in Les Misérables.
Enjolras (played by Timothy Morand) appears in Les Misérables.
Les Misérables (1978) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Jean Valjean
(played by Richard Jordan) — protagonist
The protagonist, an ex-convict who transforms from a hardened prisoner to a compassionate factory owner and mayor. After being spared by a bishop, he dedicates his life to protecting Cosette and helpi...
Javert
(played by Anthony Perkins) — protagonist
A rigid and relentless police inspector who initially supervises Valjean in Toulon. Obsessed with the law, he pursues Valjean across years, eventually capturing him at the barricade. Valjean's mercy s...
Cosette
(played by Caroline Langrishe) — supporting
Gillenormand
(played by John Gielgud) — supporting
Marius's wealthy grandfather who disapproves of his grandson's radical political views. He refuses to fund Marius's marriage to Cosette, instead insensitively suggesting she become a mistress. He even...
Thénardier
(played by Ian Holm) — supporting
A dishonest innkeeper who exploits dying patients and abandons his daughter Cosette. Valjean pays to ransom Cosette from his care, ending their interactions as Valjean removes her from his corrupt env...
Fantine
(played by Angela Pleasence) — minor
Enjolras
(played by Timothy Morand) — minor
Key Relationships
Thénardier → Cosette
(Social Caretaker)
Cosette → Gillenormand
(Family Granddaughter)
Fantine → Thénardier
(Social Exploited)
Fantine → Cosette
(Family Mother)
Javert → Enjolras
(Conflict Captor/Captive)
Javert → Fantine
(Professional Enforcer)
Jean Valjean → Gillenormand
(Social Wedding Guest)
Jean Valjean → Enjolras
(Alliance Temporary Ally)
Jean Valjean → Thénardier
(Professional Customer)
Jean Valjean → Cosette
(Family Father)
Jean Valjean → Fantine
(Social Protector)
Jean Valjean → Javert
(Conflict Arch Enemy)
Story Analysis
A chronicle of redemption, sacrifice, and revolution set against the backdrop of 19th-century France.
Plot Progression
Prison to Redemption
The Mayor's Secret
Guardian of Cosette
Barricade and Reckoning
Directed by Glenn Jordan
Les Misérables (1978) · 7.1/10 · drama, history, romance, tv-movie
