And in case you missed my Killer Blogfest Supporting Character post about Artax, click here.
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I had a hard time picking my favorite protagonist. I thought about Anne from Green Gables since that book was the first one I reread and reread and reread countless times.
Instead, I picked the MC from one of my favorite stories of all times.
Jean Valjean from Les Miserables.
Why is Valjean a hero in my eyes?
Prison for his theft makes Valjean bitter and cynical, and he resorts to stealing again from a kind bishop. When he is caught by the police, the bishop tells them that the silver had been a gift, that Valjean hadn’t stolen them.
And just like that, Valjean is given a second chance at life and he spares no time turning it around.
When he unknowingly wrongs a woman, he goes about setting things right and adopts her child when she dies. Valjean loves Cosette as if she were his own flesh and blood. He is the best father he can be to her.
And when Cosette fell in love, Valjean did not stand in the way despite not liking Marius. He just wanted her to be happy. Happiness wishes everyone happy.
Although Valjean is a convict, he becomes a virtuous man of great moral character. His honor and loyalty had no limit. He possesses the best traits of humanity.
The world would be a much better place if there were more Jean Valjean’s living in it.
17 comments:
He MADE that book! Everyone else (especially Marius) drove me crazy, but Valjean saved a long meandering book for me :)
Never read it but he sounds great.
Aww, the score from the musical is playing through my mind right now. One of the best characters of all time, hands down. Great pick!
He is SUCH a great character. So noble, and so rare!
Also: really cool name.
Wonderful choice - a true hero, because he is human and makes mistakes, but then tries to do the right things.
Admitting that I haven't read the book, but I know every single word to the whole musical, and each and every Valjean has completely melted my heart. Truly an amazing character.
Excellent pick!
Plus his name rolls right off the tongue, eh? Je t'aime Jean Valjean!
wonderful choice, magical character!
Great choice. This is a wonderful story. I love his character.
You sold me! He is perfect in heart and flawed. I love it:)
One of my faves :)
I haven't read this novel since French class. Um, that would be the graphic novel version. :D
Great choice, Nicole!
I haven't read the book, but as an opera lover, I think you NAILED his character. That's precisely what made him such a powerful character. Love this post!
Perfect choice... Valjean embodies the toughest character arc to portray, doesn't he? From criminal to virtuous, but never self-righteous. He gets a second chance and he TAKES it, turns his life around, strives to make amends. The novel I'm writing for NaNo is about amends--whether they're possible or not. Thanks for reminding me of Jean; I'll reread Les Miz for some insights. GREAT job on the analysis here--thanks for sharing!
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