In this book, Hugo introduces us to a number of Paris criminals—in particular, to Babet, Claquesous, Gueulemer, and Montparnasse, who governed the Paris underworld from 1830 to 1835. Gueulemer is a stupid strong man, thief, and murderer. Babet is a former tooth-puller who has also sold plaster busts and shown freaks at fairs; he is thin, supple, and absolutely without morals. Claquesous is a ventriloquist behind a mask; Montparnasse is young, good-looking, and ruthless. Thanks to their various skills and their close relations, they have practically a monopoly of crime in the department of the Seine. With them work a number of other minor criminals, of whom Boulatruelle, the ex-convict we already met at Montfermeil, is one.
