Les Misérables · Character

Gavroche

A singing, thieving street urchin of Paris, abandoned by his parents, who adopts the barricade as his playground and his cause.

supporting

Also known as Little Gavroche, little Gavroche, Monsieur Gavroche

First appearance: ii first sketch of two unprepossessing figures

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Gavroche lives by his wits in the gutters of Paris, mocking drunks, stoning lanterns, and belting bawdy songs to empty streets. He is the Thénardiers' cast-off son, though he knows nothing of it, and his fearlessness makes him useful to the insurgents when a letter must be carried through guarded lanes. His excess of zeal—and his refusal to consider objections—makes him the rebellion's smallest and most reckless conscience.

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See Gavroche in ii first sketch of two unprepossessing figures

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Main characters and revolutionaries
Patron-Minette criminal gang
Minor characters and supporting figures
Corinthe café staff and regulars
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Marius’s psychological peak occurs as he is overwhelmed by a “whirlwind” of confusion, realizing that his pers…

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In the story

Gavroche appears across 104 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Paris Studied in Its Atom
The archetypal Parisian gamin, embodying the spirit of the street child.
I: Parvulus
The gamin is introduced as a type, of which Gavroche is the prime example: a joyous, innocent street child of Paris.
II: Some of His Particular Characteristics
The chapter serves as a general characterization of the Parisian gamin, of which Gavroche is the archetypal embodiment.
He Is Agreeable
The chapter is a general portrait of the Parisian gamin, of which Gavroche is the prime example; his traits of wit, irreverence, and resilience are described.
Paris Studied in Its Atom
The gamin is the central figure of this chapter, representing the Parisian street child.
IV: He May Be of Use
Gavroche is the archetypal Parisian street arab described in this chapter, embodying the gamin's heedless yet thoughtful nature and potential for growth.
I: Parvulus
The gamin is personified through Gavroche, embodying the street child of Paris.
His Frontiers
The gamin is the central figure of the chapter, representing the free-spirited, poor children of the Paris suburbs.
Some of His Particular Characteristics
The chapter is a general portrait of the Parisian gamin, of which Gavroche is the prime example in the novel.
He Is Agreeable
The chapter's depiction of the gamin's character—his poverty, theatrical enthusiasm, and irreverent wit—aligns with Gavroche's role as the archetypal Parisian street arab.
VII: The Gamin Should Have His Place in the Classifications of India
The quintessential Parisian gamin, embodying the traits described: audacity, irreverence, and a fascination with executions and danger.
IV: He May Be of Use
The chapter describes the Parisian gamin, of which Gavroche is a prime example, as a pale child of the faubourgs who develops in suffering and is a thoughtful witness to social realities.
VIII: In Which the Reader Will Find a Charming Saying of the Last King
The quintessential Parisian gamin, embodying the spirit of the street urchin described in the chapter.
His Frontiers
The gamin is the archetype of the Parisian street child, embodying the freedom and poverty of the suburbs.
IX: The Old Soul of Gaul
Gavroche is the embodiment of the Parisian gamin described in this chapter, representing the street-smart, resilient, and rebellious spirit of the faubourgs.
VII: The Gamin Should Have His Place in the Classifications of India
The chapter describes the typical Parisian gamin, of which Gavroche is the prime example, embodying the audacity, anarchy, and streetwise humor of this caste.
VIII: In Which the Reader Will Find a Charming Saying of the Last King
The gamin is the central figure of the chapter, embodying the street-smart, rebellious, and resourceful spirit of Parisian street children.
IX: The Old Soul of Gaul
The chapter's description of the Parisian gamin—impudent, witty, and heroic—directly evokes Gavroche, the archetypal street urchin of the novel.
Little Gavroche
Introduced as a boisterous, pallid, nimble, wide-awake, jeering lad of eleven or twelve, who lives on the streets and occasionally visits his family at the Gorbeau hovel.
Little Gavroche
Introduced as a cheerful but neglected gamin, living freely on the streets, with parents who do not care for him.
Poverty a Good Neighbor for Misery
Gavroche is a child of the Thénardiers, though not explicitly mentioned in this chapter, he is part of the Jondrette family.
The Little One Who Was Crying in Volume Two
The ragged boy singing and kicking at the door, revealed to be the gamin.
Volume IV: The Idyl in the Rue Plumet and the Epic in the Rue Saint-Denis
The street urchin who bridges the idyl and epic, active in the uprising.
The Little One Who Was Crying in Volume Two
The gamin who is singing and kicking the door, asking about his family.
Volume IV: The Idyl in the Rue Plumet and the Epic in the Rue Saint-Denis
The street urchin who becomes a messenger and participant in the revolutionary activities.
Facts Whence History Springs and Which History Ignores
Mentioned indirectly as part of the revolutionary energy of the faubourgs.
Mother Plutarque Finds No Difficulty in Explaining a Phenomenon
Hungry and resourceful, Gavroche plans to steal an apple but instead overhears Mabeuf's plight, then pickpockets Montparnasse and secretly gives the purse to Mabeuf.
Mother Plutarque Finds No Difficulty in Explaining a Phenomenon
Starving and resourceful, Gavroche plans to steal an apple but instead overhears Mabeuf's plight, then pickpockets Montparnasse to give the purse to Mabeuf.
Book VI: Little Gavroche
The central figure of the chapter, a street urchin navigating life in Paris with wit and independence.
The Malicious Playfulness of the Wind
Mentioned as one of the Thénardier children who barely had time to discover his younger brothers before they were given away.
In Which Little Gavroche Extracts Profit from Napoleon the Great
The street urchin who takes charge of two lost children, leading them to his home inside the elephant statue and showing resourcefulness and care.
Little Gavroche
The central figure of the chapter, a street urchin who navigates the harsh realities of Parisian life with wit and courage.
The Vicissitudes of Flight
Recruited by Montparnasse to climb the flue; displays bravery and wit, taking off his shoes to help.
I: The Malicious Playfulness of the Wind
Mentioned as one of the Thénardier children who barely had time to discover he had two younger brothers.
In Which Little Gavroche Extracts Profit from Napoleon the Great
Little Gavroche, shivering in rags, adopts two lost children, leads them to his shelter in the elephant monument, and cares for them.
III: The Vicissitudes of Flight
Climbs a flue to deliver a rope to Thénardier, showing bravery and skill.
Book X: The 5th of June, 1832
Active in the streets, participating in the uprising and assisting with barricade building.
M. Mabeuf
Mentioned indirectly as the source of the purse that M. Mabeuf found and turned in, though he did not realize it came from Gavroche.
Book X: The 5th of June, 1832
Active participant in the barricade building, showing his streetwise courage and youthful defiance.
A Burial; An Occasion to Be Born Again
Not directly named, but the child who allegedly stabbed a dragoon with a dagger is a likely reference to Gavroche's later role in the barricades.
The Atom Fraternizes with the Hurricane
The central figure of the chapter, embodying the 'atom' that fraternizes with the 'hurricane' of revolution.
A Burial; An Occasion to Be Born Again
The street urchin is likely among the children waving green boughs and the agitated multitude, foreshadowing his role in the barricades.
I: Some Explanations with Regard to the Origin of Gavroche's Poetry
The ragged child who steals a pistol and joins the insurrection, singing as he goes. He reflects on his past sheltering of two boys (his brothers) and his disdain for the wealthy.
Gavroche on the March
Marches through the streets with a triggerless pistol, singing the Marseillaise and shouting revolutionary slogans. He mocks the gossiping women and shows compassion for a poodle.
IV: The Ebullitions of Former Days
Likely present as one of the street urchins or young men participating in the riot, though not explicitly named.
Just Indignation of a Hairdresser
Throws a stone through the hairdresser's window as he flees, recalling the two little boys he had earlier taken in.
IV: The Child Is Amazed at the Old Man
Joins the revolutionary band, observes Bahorel, and asks about M. Mabeuf.
The Atom Fraternizes with the Hurricane
The central figure of the chapter, embodying the 'atom' that fraternizes with the revolutionary 'hurricane'.
I: Some Explanations with Regard to the Origin of Gavroche's Poetry
The central figure of the chapter; a ragged, clever gamin who steals a pistol and heads toward the insurrection, singing. He reflects on his past sheltering of two children (his brothers) and his disdain for the wealthy.
The Old Man
Marches in front of the troop, singing loudly and acting as a trumpet for the column.
Gavroche on the March
Gavroche marches through the streets with a pistol, singing the Marseillaise and expressing revolutionary fervor. He mocks the gossiping women and shows pity for a thin dog.
Recruits
Occupied with singing and running ahead, pays no attention to the new recruit.
Just Indignation of a Hairdresser
Throws a stone through the hairdresser's window as he flees, having just housed two little boys in the elephant.
The Child Is Amazed at the Old Man
Joins the revolutionary band led by Enjolras and is impressed by Bahorel's boldness and Latin phrase.
The Old Man
Marches in front of the column, singing loudly like a trumpet.
Recruits
Occupied with singing and playing ahead, pays no attention to the new recruit.
Preliminary Gayeties
Appears briefly as a gamin delivering a message; later seen with Enjolras carrying a pistol.
Night Begins to Descend Upon Grantaire
Helps overturn a lime-dray to use in the barricade.
An Attempt to Console the Widow Hucheloup
Works on the larger barricade with boundless energy, demanding a gun and encouraging the workers; engages in banter with Enjolras.
Preliminary Gayeties
Mentioned as the friend of the gamin Navet; later seen passing by with Enjolras and the armed crowd.
Night Begins to Descend Upon Grantaire
Helps overturn a lime-dray to add to the barricade.
VII: The Man Recruited in the Rue des Billettes
Identifies Javert as the man who arrested him; assists in the barricade and is sent to scout by Enjolras.
IV: An Attempt to Console the Widow Hucheloup
Works on the larger barricade with boundless energy, demanding a gun and encouraging the workers with humor and defiance.
VIII: Many Interrogation Points with Regard to a Certain le Cabuc
Mentioned as having departed just before the incident with Le Cabuc.
VII: The Man Recruited in the Rue des Billettes
Identifies Javert as the spy who arrested him earlier, then leaves to scout the streets as ordered by Enjolras.
VIII: Many Interrogation Points with Regard to a Certain le Cabuc
Mentioned as having departed just before the incident with Le Cabuc.
I: The Flag: Act First
Arrives singing a warning song, seizes Javert's gun, and joins the insurgents.
Gavroche Would Have Done Better to Accept Enjolras’ Carbine
On guard; spots the approaching guards and tries to shoot with Javert's unloaded gun.
IV: The Barrel of Powder
Saved by Marius's first shot during the assault.
I: The Flag: Act First
Returns to the barricade singing a warning song, seizes Javert's gun, and takes his position.
VI: The Agony of Death After the Agony of Life
Gavroche is heard singing a popular song while loading his gun on a table in the barricade.
Gavroche as a Profound Calculator of Distances
Gavroche agrees to deliver Marius's letter to Cosette and runs off through Mondétour lane.
Gavroche Would Have Done Better to Accept Enjolras’ Carbine
On guard; spots the approaching guards and tries to fire Javert's unloaded gun at a giant guard.
The Barrel of Powder
Saved by Marius's first shot during the assault.
The Street Urchin an Enemy of Light
Arrives hungry, smashes a lantern, refuses Valjean's money initially, then accepts it after learning Valjean is the letter's recipient, and delivers the letter before leaving.
VI: The Agony of Death After the Agony of Life
Gavroche is heard singing a popular song from atop a table in the barricade, unaware of his sister's death.
Gavroche's Excess of Zeal
Steals a handcart for the barricade, confronts a National Guard sergeant, and escapes a fusillade.
Gavroche as a Profound Calculator of Distances
Agrees to deliver Marius's letter to Cosette, planning to go immediately and return to the barricade.
Book I: The War Between Four Walls
The street urchin who actively participates in building the barricade and later in the fighting.
The Street Urchin an Enemy of Light
Arrives hungry, smashes a lantern, refuses the five-franc piece at first, then accepts it after learning it is for his mother, and delivers the letter from the barricade.
I: The Charybdis of the Faubourg Saint Antoine and the Scylla
Implied as part of the street urchin element in the description of the barricades and the populace.
IV: Gavroche's Excess of Zeal
Gavroche steals a handcart from a drunken Auvergnat, writes a note claiming it for the Republic, and uses it to attack a National Guard sergeant before escaping a fusillade.
Book I: The War Between Four Walls
A spirited street urchin who actively participates in the barricade's defense.
VII: The Situation Becomes Aggravated
Returns to the barricade just as the cannon fires, climbing over the auxiliary barricade and lifting spirits.
The Artillerymen Compel People to Take Them Seriously
Returns to the barricade and lies to Marius about delivering the letter; warns the insurgents of the surrounding troops.
XI: The Shot Which Misses Nothing and Kills No One
Shows disdain for the enemy fire, puffing out his cheek with his tongue and mocking them.
VII: The Situation Becomes Aggravated
Returns to the barricade just as the cannon fires, climbing over the auxiliary barricade and lifting spirits.
The Artillerymen Compel People to Take Them Seriously
Returns to the barricade and lies to Marius about delivering the letter; warns the insurgents that the barricade is surrounded.
Wherein Will Appear the Name of Enjolras’ Mistress
Appears to overhear Enjolras's remark about the shortage of cartridges.
Gavroche Outside
Braves enemy fire to collect cartridges, taunts soldiers with songs, and is ultimately killed.
XI: The Shot Which Misses Nothing and Kills No One
Shows disdain for the enemy fire by puffing out his cheek with his tongue and mocking the attackers.
How from a Brother One Becomes a Father
Referenced as having previously troubled himself over these same children.
Mortuus Pater Filium Moriturum Expectat
Gavroche is killed while collecting cartridges; his body is laid on the table beside Mabeuf.
Wherein Will Appear the Name of Enjolras’ Mistress
Overhears Enjolras' remark about the shortage of cartridges.
Gavroche Outside
Ventures outside the barricade to collect cartridges, taunts the soldiers with songs, and is killed by enemy fire.
How from a Brother One Becomes a Father
Referenced as having previously troubled himself over these same children.
XVII: Mortuus Pater Filium Moriturum Expectat
Killed while collecting cartridges; his body is laid beside Mabeuf.
Foot to Foot
Lies dead beside Mabeuf under the same black cloth.
Book II: The Intestine of the Leviathan
Gavroche appears as a street urchin navigating the dangerous alleys and sewers, representing the innocent yet resilient youth caught in the city's decay.
Foot to Foot
Lies dead under the black cloth beside Mabeuf.
Book II: The Intestine of the Leviathan
Gavroche is shown as a street urchin navigating the sewers and back alleys, representing the resilience and vulnerability of the city's poorest children.
VII: The Effects of Dreams Mingled with Happiness
Remembered by Marius singing amid the grapeshot at the barricade.
VII: The Effects of Dreams Mingled with Happiness
Marius recalls hearing Gavroche singing amid the grapeshot during the barricade.
IV: A Bottle of Ink Which Only Succeeded in Whitening
Gavroche is mentioned as the one who delivered Marius's letter to Jean Valjean.

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See Gavroche in ii first sketch of two unprepossessing figures