Jean Valjean (character from Les Misérables)

Jean Valjean is the protagonist of Victor Hugo’s *Les Misérables*, a former convict who initially serves a harsh prison sentence for stealing bread. Upon release, he struggles with societal rejection but transforms after embodying kindness and integrity, especially through his acts of compassion. To escape his past, he adopts a new identity and dedicates himself to doing good, becoming a symbol of redemption and moral resilience. His journey highlights themes of justice, forgiveness, and the enduring power of human goodness amidst adversity.