Inspector Javert An incorruptible policeman. He makes it his life's work to track down Jean Valjean.
Fauchelevent Valjean, as Madeleine, saves his life; Fauchelevent later is gardener at the convent of the Little Picpus and gives shelter to Valjean and Cosette.
Bamatabois An idler of the town who torments Fantine by putting snow down her back.
Champmathieu The man accused of being Jean Valjean, on whose behalf "Madeleine" reveals his true identity.
Sister Simplicity A nun who lies to save Valjean from Javert.
Boulatruelle An old roadworker, ex-convict, and minor associate of the underworld chiefs. He is constantly seeking buried treasure in the forest near Montfermeil.
The Prioress Head of the convent where Valjean and Cosette live for several years.
Mestienne and Gribier The two gravediggers. Mestienne, friend of Fauchelevent, dies suddenly, and his place is taken by Gribier, nearly causing Valjean to be buried alive.
M. Gillenormand Relic of the Enlightenment, he is hostile to the romantic love and liberal politics of his grandson Marius.
Mlle. Gillenormand Gillenormand's daughter, a lackluster old maid whose interests are limited to devotional practices.
Marius Pontmercy An idealistic student who falls passionately in love with Cosette and later marries her.
Colonel Georges Pontmercy Marius' father, an officer of Napoleon's, named by him a colonel, a baron, and an officer of the Legion of Honor.
Lieutenant Théodule Gillenormand M. Gillenormand's grandnephew. He is asked to spy on his cousin Marius.
