Famous Literary Characters of Victor Hugo

Quasimodo – (Hunchback of Notre Dame) Victor Hugo writes book in 1831 Townspeople think of him as a “monster”, so he goes to safety to live

life in Cathedral of Notre Dame (Paris). Described as having a “hunchback” w/a giant wart covering right eye. Lives in Cathedral with his master, Claude Frollo, Archdeacon of N.D. Sees beautiful Gypsy girl (Esmerelda) on the street and tries to

kidnap her for Claude Frollo. He is captured by Captain Phoebus de Chateaupers, who then beats

up Quasimodo. Quasimodo falls head over heels for Esmerelda after she brings him

water after being beaten up by Captain Chateaupers. Esmerelda will never return Quasimodo’s affection since she is

repulsed by his presence. Quasimodo will watch over Esmerelda until her death…

Esmerelda (Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Originally known as Agnes. She is kidnapped as a baby and sent from her small town to Paris. She mesmorizes people with her dancing and tricks that she

performs with her pet goat, Djali. Claude Frollo sees her and sends Quasimodo to capture her. She is “rescued” by Captain Phoebus, who she instantly falls in love

with. Phoebus is engaged to someone else though… After seeing Quasimodo being beaten, she comes and gives him

water. Frollo will end up killing Phoebus and in the confusion, Esmerelda will

be convicted of the crime. Frollo will demand that she come to live in the Cathedral of Notre

Dame or face death. She refuses, but… As she is to be killed, Quasimodo comes and saves her by bringing

her to the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Frollo will attempt to overpower Esmerelda, at which time,

Quasimodo will beat up his master…

Captain Phoebus de Chateaupers (Hunchback of Notre Dame) Is engaged to Fleur-de-Lis. Sees the gypsy, Esmerelda, and is quite taken with her. He never intends to leave his wealthy fiancée, but still carries on with

Esmerelda, who has fallen in love with him. Claude Frollo will attack and and try to kill Phoebus, because is very

jealous of Esmerelda’s feelings toward him. Esmerelda will be tried and found guilty of the attempted murder. Phoebus could have proved her innocence, but he doesn’t.

Jean Valjean (Les Miserables) Born to a poor family, he loses both parents at a young age. His older sister tries to take care of Jean, but has 7 other children as

well… To find food, Jean breaks into the baker’s window to steal a loaf of

bread to feed the 7 children. Is sentenced to 5 years for stealing bread, but serves 19 years in

prison for repeated escapes and fighting with a guard. Meets the Bishop Myriel who tries to help Valjean become a better

person. Valjean will steal silverware from Myriel instead… He will change his name to Monsieur Madeline. The police will track him down and want to put him back in jail, but

the Bishop will say that he gave Valjean the silverware. The police inspector, Javert, will make it his mission to put Valjean

back behind bars.

Javert (Les Miserables) Policeman who is trying to bring Valjean to justice. Was born in a prison as his mother was a fortune-teller and his father

a convict. He will join the story as Valjean is becoming the mayor of Montreuil-

sur-Mer, under the alias Monsieur Madeline. Madeline (Valjean) will do a good deed of helping save a man. Javert will try and arrest him, but the other policemen don’t believe

that Madeline is Valjean. 9 years later, Javert will disguise himself to try and capture Valjean,

but Javert is thrown in jail. Valjean will help him escape… Javert is torn between bringing Valjean back to jail or by letting him

live his life. In the end, Javert will feel great guilt and will jump into the Seine

River…

Cosette (Les Miserables) Her birth name is Euphrasie Her parents (Fantine and Felix) leave her with the Thenardiers Family Cosette is mentally abused by the Thenardiers Family (parents and 2

daughters) Jean Valjean will adopt and raise her She will eventually grow up and marry Marius Pontmercy Valjean pays 1500 francs to the family to settle a debt that her

mother had with the Thenardiers

Marius Pontmercy (Les Miserables) Marius lives with his rich grandfather, Gillenormand He doesn’t have much contact with his father (Colonel Pontmercy)

because his grandfather threatened to cut off the $ if he saw his father

Marius is told by his grandfather to go and visit his father after turning 18.

He does and arrives shortly after his fathers death. Marius learns that his father did want to see him, but was told not to

by his grandfather. He begins to idolize his dad. After moving away from his grandfather, Marius will become a law

student. At times, he will stroll through the gardens near school, where he

sees Cosette and Jean Valjean. Marius will fall in love with Cosette and try to follow her to where

she lives. Valjean will take Cosette and move away. Marius will search for her

everywhere. Eventually, he will find Cosette and they will marry.

Fantine (Les Miserables) Is the abandoned mother of Cosette. Since she can’t take care of Cosette, Fantine will ask the Thenardiers

to take care of her. Madame Thenardier spoils her own 2 daughters and abuses Cosette. Fantine will go to work in a factory owned by Monsieur Madeleine

(Jean Valjean). She will ask others to write letters for her to be sent to Cosette, since

she is illiterate. She will be fired from her job once her supervisor finds out she has

an illegitimate child. To help pay the Thenardiers for caring for her daughter, Fantine will

sell her hair and her teeth. She will soon get tuberculosis and become fatally ill. Javert arrests her after she attacked a man who called her insulting

names and threw snow down her back. Valjean comes to see her in the hospital, where she is under the

assumption that her daughter, Cosette, is being brought to see her.

Option 1 – pick a character and make a “10 things you should know” list.

Option 2 – pick a character and compare them to a present day celebrity. Give 2 reasons they are similar to that person and 2 that are different.

Option 3 – pick a character and “interview” them. Come up with 3 questions and answers that you would think people want to know.

Option 4 – pick a character and draw a portrait of them.

Option 5 – create a social media “profile” for a character (likes, dislikes, folowers, etc…)

*Include the “class” you think they were a part of during the time and explain why. (nobility, clergy, or common)*