Les Misérables · Character

Javert

A police inspector who has made the law his religion, he fixes his unblinking gaze on Monsieur Madeleine and will not let go.

major

Also known as Police Officer Javert, Inspector Javert, Police Inspector Javert, Monsieur Javert

First appearance: XIII: The Solution of Some Questions Connected with the Municipal Police

See Javert in XIII: The Solution of Some Questions Connected with the Municipal Police Book page

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Born in a jail and risen through the ranks, Javert treats vagrants as vermin and his own instincts as scripture. He watches Madeleine with an eye full of suspicion, investigating old traces and muttering that he has found his man, yet the mayor's unshakable calm unsettles him. His private snuffbox is his only concession to humanity—and that rigid certainty is exactly what the story will eventually break.

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See Javert in XIII: The Solution of Some Questions Connected with the Municipal Police

Character Web

52 connections

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Main characters and revolutionaries
Minor characters and supporting figures
Fantine's Parisian circle

+47 more in the full Character Web

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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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Relationships

Jean Valjean
rivalry · negative
Marius Pontmercy
social · negative
Marius Pontmercy
social · negative
Marius Pontmercy
social · negative
Jean Valjean
rivalry · negative
Jean Valjean
rivalry · negative

Jean Valjean
Javert obsessively pursues Jean Valjean as a fugitive, embodying the relentless conflict between law and mercy.
Marius Pontmercy
Javert and Marius interact during the barricade events, where Javert is captured and later released by Marius.
Marius Pontmercy
Javert and Marius interact during the barricade events, where Javert is captured and later released by Marius.
Marius Pontmercy
Javert and Marius interact during the barricade events, where Javert is captured and later released by Marius.
Jean Valjean
Javert obsessively pursues Jean Valjean as a fugitive, embodying the relentless conflict between law and mercy.
Jean Valjean
Javert obsessively pursues Jean Valjean as a fugitive, embodying the relentless conflict between law and mercy.

Relationship notes

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See Javert in XIII: The Solution of Some Questions Connected with the Municipal Police

In the story

Javert appears across 123 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

To Confide Is Sometimes to Deliver Into a Person’s Power
Though not physically present, his shadow looms over Valjean's thoughts.
V: Vague Flashes on the Horizon
The police inspector who instinctively distrusts Madeleine, watching him with relentless suspicion. His background in a prison and his rigid, unforgiving nature are explored.
Vague Flashes on the Horizon
The police inspector who is obsessed with surveillance and suspicion, particularly of M. Madeleine, and is described with animalistic and rigidly moral traits.
VI: Father Fauchelevent
Javert is present at the accident, notes that only a convict could lift the cart, and watches Madeleine's actions closely.
VI: Father Fauchelevent
Present at the accident, he observes Madeleine's actions and hints that only a former convict could perform such a feat, intensifying his suspicion.
Fauchelevent Becomes a Gardener in Paris
Feels a shudder of suspicion upon seeing Madeleine in the mayor's scarf and avoids him when possible.
Fauchelevent Becomes a Gardener in Paris
Feels a shudder of suspicion upon seeing Madeleine in the mayor's scarf and avoids him as much as possible.
M. Bamatabois’s Inactivity
The police inspector who emerges from the crowd and commands Fantine to follow him.
M. Bamatabois’s Inactivity
The police inspector who seizes Fantine and commands her to follow him.
XIII: The Solution of Some Questions Connected with the Municipal Police
Arrests Fantine and sentences her to six months in prison, but is overruled by Mayor Madeleine.
The Solution of Some Questions Connected with the Municipal Police
Arrests Fantine and sentences her to six months in prison, but is overruled by Mayor Madeleine.
Book VI: Javert
Javert is the central focus of this chapter, with his strict, unforgiving nature and his background as a prison guard's son explored in depth.
Book VI: Javert
Central focus of the chapter; his character, background, and unwavering commitment to the law are explored in depth.
The Beginning of Repose
Writes a letter to the Paris police secretary, which observers mistake for a resignation.
The Beginning of Repose
Writes a letter to the Paris police secretary, rumored to be his resignation, after the station-house affair.
How Jean May Become Champ
Confesses his wrongful suspicion of Madeleine and insists on being dismissed; reveals the Champmathieu case.
How Jean May Become Champ
Humbly confesses his wrongful suspicion of the mayor and demands punishment. He reveals that the real Jean Valjean has been found and will be tried, unknowingly speaking to the true Valjean.
Book VII: The Champmathieu Affair
Inspector Javert informs Mayor Madeleine that he has found Jean Valjean in the form of Champmathieu.
Book VII: The Champmathieu Affair
Believes he has finally captured Jean Valjean in the form of Champmathieu.
III: A Tempest in a Skull
Mentioned as the one who brought the news of Champmathieu's arrest, setting off Valjean's crisis.
A Place Where Convictions Are in Process of Formation
Mentioned as one of the four witnesses who recognize the accused as Jean Valjean, though not physically seen in the courtroom by M. Madeleine.
A Place Where Convictions Are in Process of Formation
Mentioned as one of the four witnesses who identify Champmathieu as Jean Valjean, though not physically present in the courtroom.
X: The System of Denials
Though absent from the courtroom, his deposition is read, in which he positively identifies the prisoner as the ex-convict Jean Valjean, citing his time as adjutant of the galley-guard at Toulon.
X: The System of Denials
Inspector Javert has already testified, positively identifying the prisoner as Jean Valjean, citing his time as adjutant of the galley-guard at Toulon.
Champmathieu More and More Astonished
Mentioned by Valjean as someone who would recognize him, though not present in the scene.
Champmathieu More and More Astonished
Mentioned by Valjean as someone who would recognize him, though not present in the scene.
Book VIII: A Counterblow
Reports to M. Madeleine that he has found Jean Valjean in the form of Champmathieu, unaware of Madeleine's true identity.
Book VIII: A Counterblow
Reveals his discovery of Jean Valjean's identity to M. Madeleine.
Fantine Happy
Javert appears suddenly at the end of the chapter, his presence causing Fantine to become terrified and silent.
Fantine Happy
Javert appears suddenly in the room, causing Fantine to become terrified and disrupting her happiness.
Javert Satisfied
Receives the arrest order for Madeleine/Valjean and confronts him in Fantine's room, experiencing a terrible, triumphant joy.
IV: Authority Reasserts Its Rights
Arrests Valjean, causing Fantine's death; insists on authority.
Javert Satisfied
Receives the arrest warrant for Madeleine/Valjean and confronts him in the infirmary with fierce satisfaction.
V: A Suitable Tomb
Pursues Valjean but is deceived by Sister Simplice's lie.
Authority Reasserts Its Rights
Arrests Jean Valjean, causing Fantine's fatal shock.
A Suitable Tomb
Pursues Valjean, searches his room, but is deceived by Sister Simplice's lie.
Volume II: Cosette
Pursues Valjean after his escape from prison.
Accomplishment of the Promise Made to the Dead Woman
Continues his relentless pursuit of Valjean, forcing him to flee Paris.
A Five-Franc Piece Falls on the Ground and Produces a Tumult
Disguised as a beggar to spy on Valjean, later seen entering the house at night and listening at Valjean's door.
Book V: For a Black Hunt, a Mute Pack
The relentless inspector pursuing Valjean.
III: Two Misfortunes Make One Piece of Good Fortune
Mentioned as a personification of public authority that Valjean has seen in a new, negative light.
The Zigzags of Strategy
Identified by Valjean as the leader of the four men following them.
A Five-Franc Piece Falls on the Ground and Produces a Tumult
Disguised as a beggar, later seen listening at Valjean's door and leaving the house under the alias Dumont.
To Wit, the Plan of Paris in 1727
Implied to be pursuing Jean Valjean with his squad, having likely posted a guard at the exit.
Book V: For a Black Hunt, a Mute Pack
Relentlessly hunts Valjean, representing the law's pursuit.
The Zigzags of Strategy
Recognized by Jean Valjean in the moonlight as the leader of four men pursuing them through the streets.
V: Which Would Be Impossible with Gas Lanterns
Leads the patrol searching for Valjean; orders the blind alley to be searched.
The Beginning of an Enigma
Heard in the distance leading the patrol, his imprecations and orders fade as Valjean and Cosette find temporary safety.
To Wit, the Plan of Paris in 1727
Implied to be pursuing Valjean with his squad, having likely sent a man to guard the exit.
V: Which Would Be Impossible with Gas Lanterns
Leads the patrol searching for Valjean, ordering the alley and surrounding streets to be searched.
VI: The Beginning of an Enigma
Heard in the distance directing the patrol and police spies, though not physically present in the garden.
X: Which Explains How Javert Got on the Scent
Javert is the central figure of the chapter, tracking Jean Valjean through Paris, hesitating due to doubt and political caution, and ultimately losing him after setting a trap.
X: Which Explains How Javert Got on the Scent
Javert is the central figure in this chapter, meticulously tracking Jean Valjean through Paris. He is portrayed as a relentless hunter, using his instincts and experience to pursue his quarry, but his overconfidence and hesitation allow Valjean to escape.
Cloistered
Mentioned as having watched the quarter for more than a month, though the nuns do not notice Valjean's identity.
Book V: The Excellence of Misfortune
Represents the relentless pursuit of justice and the law, creating tension with Valjean's moral journey.
The Wicked Poor Man
Intervenes to arrest Thénardier and his gang, but Valjean escapes during the commotion.
Book VIII: The Wicked Poor Man
Javert appears at the end of the chapter to arrest the Thénardiers, acting on Marius's tip about the ambush.
In Which a Police Agent Bestows Two Fistfuls on a Lawyer
Inspector Javert, acting in place of the commissary, listens to Marius's report, identifies the gang, and arms Marius with pistols.
In Which a Police Agent Bestows Two Fistfuls on a Lawyer
Javert, acting as inspector, listens to Marius's report, identifies the criminals, and gives Marius pistols with orders to fire a shot at the critical moment.
One Should Always Begin by Arresting the Victims
Leads the raid, arrests the Thénardiers and their gang, and is frustrated by the prisoner's escape.
One Should Always Begin by Arresting the Victims
Leads the raid, disarms the ruffians, and orders the arrests.
I: The Lark’s Meadow
Javert leads the ambush on Thénardier and later returns to question Marius, but finds he has moved away without leaving an address.
Embryonic Formation of Crimes in the Incubation of Prisons
Javert's triumph at Gorbeau is incomplete; he fails to capture the main prisoner, Montparnasse escapes, and Claquesous disappears during transport.
I: The Lark’s Meadow
Javert leads the ambush and later returns to question Marius, but finds he has moved away.
Embryonic Formation of Crimes in the Incubation of Prisons
Javert's raid at Gorbeau is incomplete; he failed to capture the main prisoner, Montparnasse escaped, and Claquesous disappeared. He is irritated but focuses on the investigation.
Book V: The End of Which Does Not Resemble the Beginning
Obsessively investigates the identity of Mayor Madeleine, suspecting him of being Jean Valjean.
The End of Which Does Not Resemble the Beginning
Represents the inflexible law, suspicious of Madeleine and pursuing justice without mercy.
Book IX: Whither Are They Going?
Confronts Valjean at the sewer exit, experiences a profound moral crisis, and ultimately lets Valjean go, unable to reconcile Valjean's mercy with his own rigid sense of justice.
Book IX: Whither Are They Going?
Javert appears at the sewer exit, confronting Valjean and Marius, leading to a pivotal moment of moral reckoning.
Book X: The 5th of June, 1832
Present as a police inspector, observing and later infiltrating the barricades.
Book X: The 5th of June, 1832
Infiltrates the barricade as a spy, later discovered and captured by the insurgents.
A Burial; An Occasion to Be Born Again
As a police inspector, Javert would be among the forces observing and preparing to suppress the riot, though not named in this excerpt.
IV: The Ebullitions of Former Days
Not directly mentioned, but his role as an inspector would place him among the forces opposing the riot.
VII: The Man Recruited in the Rue des Billettes
Revealed as a police spy, captured, bound, and sentenced to death by the insurgents.
From the Rue Plumet to the Quartier Saint-Denis
Marius carries Javert's pistols, which he had taken earlier.
VII: The Man Recruited in the Rue des Billettes
Revealed as a police spy, captured and bound to a post, calmly accepts his fate.
Book XIV: The Grandeurs of Despair
Javert's relentless pursuit of Valjean intensifies the tension and Valjean's sense of doom.
From the Rue Plumet to the Quartier Saint-Denis
Marius carries Javert's pistols, which he had taken earlier.
The Flag: Act Second
Bound to a post in the taproom during the events, observed by a single insurgent.
Gavroche Would Have Done Better to Accept Enjolras’ Carbine
Impassive prisoner; Enjolras threatens him.
Book XIV: The Grandeurs of Despair
Javert's rigid sense of justice is challenged, leading to a crisis of conscience.
End of the Verses of Jean Prouvaire
Bound to his post, he remains motionless during the attack; Enjolras tells him his friends have shot Prouvaire.
The Flag: Act Second
Bound to a post in the taproom, present but passive during the events.
Gavroche Would Have Done Better to Accept Enjolras’ Carbine
Impassive prisoner; Enjolras threatens him.
Book XV: The Rue de l’Homme Armé
Implied threat in the background, pursuing Valjean.
End of the Verses of Jean Prouvaire
Bound to his post, silent and observant during the attack; Enjolras informs him that his friends have killed Prouvaire.
Book XV: The Rue de l’Homme Armé
Remains a persistent threat, though not directly present in the chapter.
Volume V: Jean Valjean
Valjean's relentless pursuer; his rigid worldview is shattered, leading to his own crisis.
What Is to Be Done in the Abyss if One Does Not Converse
Bound to his post in the taproom, erect beside the dead Mabeuf.
Volume V: Jean Valjean
Confronts Valjean and struggles with his own moral crisis, leading to his suicide.
Book I: The War Between Four Walls
Captured by the insurgents and held at the barricade, facing a crisis of conscience.
Marius Haggard, Javert Laconic
Bound to a post, then laid on a table; he asks for water and recognizes Jean Valjean without flinching.
What Is to Be Done in the Abyss if One Does Not Converse
Bound to a post in the taproom, a prisoner of the insurgents.
Marius Haggard, Javert Laconic
Bound to a post, he asks Enjolras when he will be killed, requests water, and is later laid on a table with additional restraints.
The Vulture Become Prey
Bound and held as a prisoner; remains impassive as Enjolras orders his execution, then laughs and taunts the insurgents.
Jean Valjean Takes His Revenge
Is freed by Jean Valjean after being captured and pinioned; he is astonished and leaves.
The Vulture Become Prey
Bound prisoner, impassive in the face of death, laughs and tells the insurgents they are no better off than he.
XIX: Jean Valjean Takes His Revenge
Captured and pinioned, then unexpectedly freed by Valjean; leaves the barricade in shock.
Book II: The Intestine of the Leviathan
Javert is mentioned in the context of his relentless pursuit of justice, often venturing into the sewers and slums to enforce the law.
Book II: The Intestine of the Leviathan
Javert is present as the law's representative, pursuing criminals through the labyrinthine sewers and maintaining order in the face of chaos.
Book III: Mud but the Soul
Represents the unyielding law, observing the moral complexities of the characters' actions.
III: The "Spun" Man
The buttoned-up police agent who methodically spins a ragged man along the shore, using a hackney-coach for backup, and is outraged when the fugitive escapes via a locked sewer grating.
III: The "Spun" Man
The buttoned-up police agent who methodically spins a ragged man along the shore, using a hackney-coach for backup, and reacts with indignation when the fugitive escapes via a sewer grating with a government key.
Marius Produces on Some One Who Is a Judge of the Matter, the Effect of Being Dead
Pursues Thénardier, encounters Jean Valjean and Marius, recognizes Valjean, and arranges transport for Marius.
Return of the Son Who Was Prodigal of His Life
Escorts Jean Valjean and Marius to the Gillenormand residence, announces Marius's return, and grants Jean Valjean's request to go home.
XI: Concussion in the Absolute
Acts uncharacteristically by paying the coachman and allowing Valjean to go upstairs alone, then departs without explanation.
Book IV: Javert Derailed
Javert is released by Valjean and experiences a profound internal conflict, leading to his suicide.
Marius Produces on Some One Who Is a Judge of the Matter, the Effect of Being Dead
Pursues Thénardier, encounters Jean Valjean at the riverbank, recognizes him, and takes charge of the situation, arranging transport for Marius.
Javert's Crisis of Conscience
Javert experiences a profound internal conflict after being shown mercy by Jean Valjean, questioning the law and his own sense of duty.
Return of the Son Who Was Prodigal of His Life
Escorts Jean Valjean and the wounded Marius, announces Marius's return to the porter, and grants Jean Valjean a brief reprieve.
XI: Concussion in the Absolute
Acts uncharacteristically by paying the coachman and allowing Valjean to go upstairs alone, then departs without explanation.
Book IV: Javert Derailed
Javert is released by Valjean and experiences a profound internal crisis, leading to his suicide.
Javert's Crisis of Conscience
Javert experiences a profound internal conflict after being spared by Jean Valjean. He questions his lifelong adherence to the law and feels degraded by his admiration for a convict.
Deposit Your Money in a Forest Rather Than with a Notary
Reported drowned; his suicide is confirmed by a newspaper article.
V: Deposit Your Money in a Forest Rather Than with a Notary
Reported to have drowned himself; his death is confirmed in the Moniteur.
Book VI: The Sleepless Night
Mentioned as the inspector who arrested Champmathieu, believing him to be Valjean.
Book VII: The Last Draught from the Cup
Javert's relentless pursuit reaches a critical point, highlighting the conflict between justice and law.
The Obscurities Which a Revelation Can Contain
Javert is recalled as the police inspector whom Jean Valjean allegedly killed at the barricade, fueling Marius's suspicion of vengeance.
Book VIII: Fading Away of the Twilight
Though not directly present, his relentless pursuit looms over the chapter, driving Valjean's unease.
Book VII: The Last Draught from the Cup
Represents the relentless pursuit of justice and the law, clashing with Valjean's moral journey.
The Obscurities Which a Revelation Can Contain
Javert is recalled in Marius's memories as the police inspector whom Jean Valjean dragged from the barricade, leading Marius to suspect Valjean of vengeance.
Fading Away of the Twilight
Javert appears at the climax of the ambush, revealing his knowledge of the plot and his pursuit of Jean Valjean. He arrests the Thénardiers and their accomplices.
IV: A Bottle of Ink Which Only Succeeded in Whitening
Javert is mentioned as having been saved by Jean Valjean at the barricade, and his suicide is referenced in the newspaper proof.

Chapter companion notes

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See Javert in XIII: The Solution of Some Questions Connected with the Municipal Police