Les Misérables Article

What is Les Misérables about?

verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

Les Misérables centres on the character Jean Valjean, an ex-convict in 19th-century France. The story spans many years as it tells of Valjean’s release from prison and reformation as an industrialist while being constantly pursued by the morally strict inspector Javert. During this time he encounters a plethora of characters in Paris such as Fantine, a single mother who works as a prostitute to provide for her daughter, and Marius, a student and revolutionary who falls in love with Valjean’s adopted daughter, Cosette.