Les Misérables · Character

Ma'am Bougon

The miserly landlady of the Gorbeau tenement where Marius lives.

minor

Also known as Bougon, old Bougon

First appearance: book iii in the year 1817

Ma'am Bougon shows up with force in Little Gavroche. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The new principal lodger of the Gorbeau hovel, who replaced the previous one.

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In Little Gavroche: The new principal lodger of the Gorbeau hovel, who replaced the previous one. Later, in Little Gavroche: The new…

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See Ma'am Bougon in book iii in the year 1817

Character Web

8 connections

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Other

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Minor characters and supporting figures
Main characters and revolutionaries

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

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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Ma'am Bougon appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Little Gavroche
The new principal lodger of the Gorbeau hovel, who replaced the previous one.
Little Gavroche
The new principal lodger of the Gorbeau hovel, replacing the previous one.
V: Divers Claps of Thunder Fall on Ma’am Bougon
Thunderstruck and furious at Marius's new habit of going out in his best coat three days in a row.
V: Divers Claps of Thunder Fall on Ma’am Bougon
Stupefied and furious at Marius's repeated outings in his new coat.
Treasure Trove
Ma'am Bougon is sweeping and muttering about the cost of trouble as Marius leaves his room.
Quadrifrons
Marius's landlady, mentioned as having previously commented on his lack of possessions.
Treasure Trove
The landlady is sweeping and muttering about the cost of trouble, providing a grim backdrop to Marius's thoughts.
Quadrifrons
Mentioned as the landlady; Marius initially thinks she is knocking.
Jondrette Makes His Purchases
Ma'am Bougon locks the house door at dusk, forcing Marius to hurry back.
Jondrette Makes His Purchases
Ma'am Bougon locks the house door at dusk, nearly trapping Marius outside.
The Little One Who Was Crying in Volume Two
The old woman rummaging in refuse who confronts the boy and informs him of his family's imprisonment.
The Little One Who Was Crying in Volume Two
The old woman who recognizes the gamin and tells him where his family is.
I: The Lark’s Meadow
Ma'am Bougon is Marius's former landlady. She tells Javert that Marius has moved away, suspecting him of being involved with the robbers.
I: The Lark’s Meadow
Ma'am Bougon is Marius's former landlady; she tells Javert that Marius has moved away.

Chapter companion notes

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See Ma'am Bougon in book iii in the year 1817

See Ma'am Bougon in Little Gavroche