Jean Valjean
Description
Jean Valjean is a man who at the beginning of the book made a terrible decision. His sister and her children were starving, and he stole a loaf of bread. His only intention was to provide food for his sisters children. Since that day, Jean Valjean was seen as nothing but a fugitive. Jean Valjean wanted to change, and he did just that. He left where he was known as a fugitive, and went to a place where he could start fresh. He met the Bishop, who believed in giving people second chances. The Bishop gave Jean Valjean a place to stay, and food to eat. In the middle of the night, Jean Valjean stole the Bishop's silverware. The Bishop went along with what happened, and told Jean Valjean that the silver belonged to him. Jean Valjean realized that he must change. He made a promise to a women named Fantine, that he would take care of her daughter Cosette. Cosette was currently living with the Thenardiers. Fantine left her there, because she couldn't take care of her daughter. Jean Valjean bought Cosette from the Thenardiers, and from that day he becomes the protector of Cosette. He takes on the role of her father. He raises her until she is old enough to marry her beloved Marius. After this, Jean Valjean passes away, but he is at least relieved that he fulfilled his promise that he made to Cosette. This way, Jean Valjean could die a satisfied, changed, and happy man.
The Evolution of Jean Valjean
At first, Jean Valjean was seen as a fugitive, for stealing a loaf of bread. Jean Valjean was being judged, before people even got to know him. But later on in his life, once Jean Valjean got out of prison, he dedicated his life, and all his time towards Cosette. Cosette was his motivation, and she kept him on the right track. Jean Valjean changed throughout the story, making him a dynamic character.
Type of Character
Jean Valjean: Dynamic
Overall Theme
I believe the overall theme that is represented by Jean Valjean is no matter who or how you are, people can always change. I chose this, because Jean Valjean was underestimated by everyone. People thought that since he made a mistake, and became a "Criminal," that he would be that way for the rest of his life. Jean Valjean proved those people wrong, by changing his way of life. He became a changed man, and made a his point, that he was not the criminal people thought he was!
Motivation
Jean Valjean's main motivation was Cosette. He would do anything to protect her. Cosette was basically like his daughter. And just like any other father, Jean Valjean wanted what was best for Cosette. Jean Valjean was also motivated to fulfill his promise made to Fantine. He told her that he would take care of Cosette, and this was a promise that Jean Valjean had to keep. Cosette helped Jean stay on the right track, and Jean was filled with motivation to get Cosette to a better place.