# Madame Thénardier — Les Misérables character guide > Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Madame, Mother Thénardier **First appearance:** 0044-ii-first-sketch-of-two-unprepossessing-figures ## Snapshot A hulking, sour-tempered innkeeper's wife who beats a child for sport and spoils her own daughters with equal ferocity. ## Who they are Where her husband calculates, Madame Thénardier simply resents: Cosette is the drudge of the house, fed scraps and sent barefoot into the dark while Éponine and Azelma are dressed up like little ladies. She is a woman of enormous physical strength and no tenderness, and her cruelty is domestic, daily, and unremarkable to herself. She anchors the Montfermeil chapters in a kind of petty hell that makes Cosette's rescue feel like a jailbreak. ## In the story ### [Volume I: Fantine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-i-fantine) The innkeeper's wife who mistreats Cosette and contributes to the exploitation of Fantine. ### [I: The Evening of a Day of Walking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-evening-of-a-day-of-walking) The wife of the public house host; she hides her children in terror when her husband identifies the traveler as a dangerous man. ### [I: One Mother Meets Another Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-one-mother-meets-another-mother) The innkeeper's wife, a coarse and romanticizing woman, who agrees to take Cosette in. ### [I: One Mother Meets Another Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-one-mother-meets-another-mother) The innkeeper's wife, a coarse and romantic woman, who agrees to take in Cosette. ### [First Sketch of Two Unprepossessing Figures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-first-sketch-of-two-unprepossessing-figures) Described as a coarse, vicious woman, twelve to fifteen years younger than her husband, who reads sentimental romances and has developed from a pensive attitude into a Megaera. ### [First Sketch of Two Unprepossessing Figures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-first-sketch-of-two-unprepossessing-figures) Described as a coarse, vicious woman, younger than her husband, who read sentimental romances and developed a pensive attitude; later becomes a Megaera. ### [III: The Lark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-the-lark) Viciously mistreats Cosette; showers her own daughters with affection while beating Cosette. ### [III: The Lark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-the-lark) Viciously beats and mistreats Cosette while doting on her own daughters, Éponine and Azelma. She pawns Cosette's clothes and feeds her scraps. ### [Book V: The Descent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-v-the-descent) Madame Thénardier mistreats Cosette and demands more money from Fantine. ### [X: Result of the Success](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-result-of-the-success) Madame Thénardier is furious when Fantine sends a skirt instead of money, giving the skirt to Éponine. ### [Volume II: Cosette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-ii-cosette) Abuses and mistreats Cosette while favoring her own daughters. ### [Volume II: Cosette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-ii-cosette) Abuses Cosette and assists in her exploitation. ### [Book III: Accomplishment of the Promise Made to the Dead Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iii-accomplishment-of-the-promise-made-to-the-dead-woman) Reluctantly allows Cosette to leave with Valjean. ### [The Water Question at Montfermeil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-water-question-at-montfermeil) Madame Thénardier is attending to the supper and shows indifference to her youngest child, saying 'he bothers me' when the child cries. ### [Two Complete Portraits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-two-complete-portraits) Described as a tall, blond, red, fat, angular, and agile giantess with a beard and a violent temper. She does all the housework and abuses Cosette, but fears and obeys her husband completely. ### [Men Must Have Wine, and Horses Must Have Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-men-must-have-wine-and-horses-must-have-water) Madame Thénardier is cruel and abusive, striking Cosette and forcing her to perform dangerous tasks. She shows no compassion and treats Cosette as a servant. ### [The Water Question at Montfermeil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-water-question-at-montfermeil) Madame Thénardier is attending to the supper and shows neglect toward her own young son, dismissing his cries. ### [Entrance on the Scene of a Doll](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-entrance-on-the-scene-of-a-doll) Spies Cosette's distraction and yells at her to get back to work. ### [Two Complete Portraits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-two-complete-portraits) Described as a tall, red, fat, and brutal woman who does all the housework and physically abuses Cosette. She is jealous and fears only her husband, whom she adores despite his frail appearance. ### [The Little One All Alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-the-little-one-all-alone) Implied as the one who would beat Cosette; her 'hideous, hyena mouth' is a specter in Cosette's mind. ### [Men Must Have Wine, and Horses Must Have Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-men-must-have-wine-and-horses-must-have-water) Madame Thénardier scolds and physically abuses Cosette, ordering her to water a horse and buy bread, showing her cruelty. ### [Entrance on the Scene of a Doll](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-entrance-on-the-scene-of-a-doll) Madame Thénardier spies Cosette lingering by the toyshop and yells at her, calling her a 'silly jade' and a 'little monster,' reinforcing her abusive treatment of the child. ### [Cosette Side by Side with the Stranger in the Dark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-cosette-side-by-side-with-the-stranger-in-the-dark) Referred to as 'Madame Thénardier' who sends Cosette for water and beats her; the inn's mistress. ### [The Little One All Alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-the-little-one-all-alone) Cosette's fear of Madame Thénardier's wrath compels her to continue despite her terror. ### [VIII: The Unpleasantness of Receiving Into One’s House a Poor Man Who May Be a Rich Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-the-unpleasantness-of-receiving-into-one-s-house-a-poor-man-who-may-be-a-rich-man) The abusive innkeeper's wife, who mistreats Cosette, overcharges the traveler, and threatens violence when Cosette loses a coin. ### [Cosette Side by Side with the Stranger in the Dark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-cosette-side-by-side-with-the-stranger-in-the-dark) Mentioned as Cosette's mistress and the innkeeper who beats her. ### [IX: Thénardier and His Manouvres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-th-nardier-and-his-manouvres) Eager to be rid of Cosette and initially hesitant to present the inflated bill, but ultimately complies. ### [X: He Who Seeks to Better Himself May Render His Situation Worse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-he-who-seeks-to-better-himself-may-render-his-situation-worse) Criticizes Thénardier for only getting fifteen hundred francs, prompting his pursuit. ### [VIII: The Unpleasantness of Receiving Into One’s House a Poor Man Who May Be a Rich Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-the-unpleasantness-of-receiving-into-one-s-house-a-poor-man-who-may-be-a-rich-man) The cruel and greedy innkeeper's wife, who verbally and physically abuses Cosette, overcharges the traveler, and favors her own daughters. ### [IX: Thénardier and His Manouvres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-th-nardier-and-his-manouvres) Eager to be rid of Cosette, she agrees to let the traveller take her, but is hesitant about presenting the high bill. ### [Book IV: The Gorbeau Hovel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iv-the-gorbeau-hovel) Madame Thénardier is also present as part of the Jondrette family, contributing to the squalid atmosphere. ### [X: He Who Seeks to Better Himself May Render His Situation Worse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-he-who-seeks-to-better-himself-may-render-his-situation-worse) Criticizes Thénardier for accepting only 1500 francs, prompting his pursuit; her reaction reveals her greed and influence over her husband. ### [Book IV: The Gorbeau Hovel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iv-the-gorbeau-hovel) Also living in the hovel, contributing to the atmosphere of squalor and cruelty. ### [III: Two Misfortunes Make One Piece of Good Fortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-two-misfortunes-make-one-piece-of-good-fortune) Referenced as one who repulsed Cosette along with her children. ### [IV: The Remarks of the Principal Tenant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-the-remarks-of-the-principal-tenant) Not directly present; the principal tenant is a cross, inquisitive old woman who spies on Jean Valjean, but she is not Madame Thénardier. ### [V: Which Would Be Impossible with Gas Lanterns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-which-would-be-impossible-with-gas-lanterns) Mentioned by Valjean to frighten Cosette into silence. ### [VII: Continuation of the Enigma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-continuation-of-the-enigma) Mentioned by Cosette as a source of fear, but Valjean says she is gone. ### [V: Which Would Be Impossible with Gas Lanterns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-which-would-be-impossible-with-gas-lanterns) Mentioned by Valjean to frighten Cosette into silence. ### [Continuation of the Enigma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-continuation-of-the-enigma) Mentioned by Cosette as a source of fear; Valjean says she is gone. ### [Little Gavroche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xiii-little-gavroche) Gavroche's mother, who does not love him and shows affection only to his sisters. ### [Little Gavroche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xiii-little-gavroche) Present as the mother in the Jondrette family, cold toward Gavroche but loving toward her daughters. ### [Poverty a Good Neighbor for Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-poverty-a-good-neighbor-for-misery) Madame Thénardier is part of the Jondrette family evicted from the Gorbeau house. ### [Book VIII: The Wicked Poor Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-viii-the-wicked-poor-man) Madame Thénardier, as Jondrette's wife, participates in the family's deceptive and aggressive behavior toward their lodger and the benefactor. ### [The Wild Man in His Lair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-the-wild-man-in-his-lair) A large, crouching woman in a chemise and patched petticoat, with hideous reddish-blond hair; she speaks to her husband with hollow endearments. ### [Strategy and Tactics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-strategy-and-tactics) Obeys her husband's orders reluctantly, showing concern for her daughter's injury. ### [VIII: The Ray of Light in the Hovel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-the-ray-of-light-in-the-hovel) Comforts the younger daughter and tries to appease her husband. ### [Jondrette Comes Near Weeping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-jondrette-comes-near-weeping) Lies in bed feigning illness; Thénardier instructs her to scrutinize M. Leblanc. ### [The Wild Man in His Lair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-the-wild-man-in-his-lair) Crouches by the fireplace, speaks to her husband with hollow endearments, showing the ashes of former affection. ### [Strategy and Tactics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-strategy-and-tactics) Obeys her husband's orders to get into bed, though she protests when their daughter is injured. ### [The Ray of Light in the Hovel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-the-ray-of-light-in-the-hovel) Attempts to comfort the crying younger daughter and murmurs a protest when the father mentions wounding the child. ### [XII: The Use Made of M. Leblanc’s Five-Franc Piece](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xii-the-use-made-of-m-leblanc-s-five-franc-piece) Expresses shock and rage upon learning that the young lady is Cosette, and is instructed to prepare a brazier of charcoal for the plot. ### [Jondrette Comes Near Weeping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-jondrette-comes-near-weeping) Lies in bed feigning illness, is urged by Thénardier to take a good look at M. Leblanc. ### [XIII: Solus Cum Solo, in Loco Remoto, Non Cogitabuntur Orare Pater Noster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xiii-solus-cum-solo-in-loco-remoto-non-cogitabuntur-orare-pater-noster) The female Jondrette is seen rummaging among old iron as Marius prepares to leave. ### [The Use Made of M. Leblanc's Five-Franc Piece](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xii-the-use-made-of-m-leblanc-s-five-franc-piece) She is shocked and enraged upon learning that the young lady with Leblanc is the former beggar child, and she agrees to assist in the plot. ### [In Which Will Be Found the Words to an English Air Which Was in Fashion in 1832](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xvi-in-which-will-be-found-the-words-to-an-english-air-which-was-in-fashion-in-1832) The mother confirms she has greased the door hinges and cooked potatoes; she is ready to go out as instructed. ### [Solus Cum Solo, in Loco Remoto, Non Cogitabuntur Orare Pater Noster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xiii-solus-cum-solo-in-loco-remoto-non-cogitabuntur-orare-pater-noster) Madame Thénardier is seen rummaging among old iron as Marius prepares to leave, part of the conspiratorial household. ### [The Use Made of Marius’ Five-Franc Piece](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xvii-the-use-made-of-marius-five-franc-piece) Dresses up to inspire confidence, follows Jondrette's orders to light the way and pay the coachman. ### [Marius' Two Chairs Form a Vis-a-Vis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xviii-marius-two-chairs-form-a-vis-a-vis) Opens the door with a grimace, dismisses the carriage, and whispers to her husband. ### [XIX: Occupying One’s Self with Obscure Depths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xix-occupying-one-s-self-with-obscure-depths) Stands guard near the door in a menacing stance, dressed eccentrically, as part of the ambush setup. ### [In Which Will Be Found the Words to an English Air Which Was in Fashion in 1832](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xvi-in-which-will-be-found-the-words-to-an-english-air-which-was-in-fashion-in-1832) Madame Jondrette responds to her husband's orders, confirms she has greased the door hinges, and reports that old Bougon has left. ### [The Use Made of Marius’ Five-Franc Piece](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xvii-the-use-made-of-marius-five-franc-piece) She follows Jondrette's orders, fetches chairs, and dresses up to inspire confidence. ### [The Trap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xx-the-trap) Returns with news of a false address, enraged, participates in overpowering Valjean. ### [One Should Always Begin by Arresting the Victims](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xxi-one-should-always-begin-by-arresting-the-victims) Throws a paving stone at Javert, misses, and is handcuffed; weeps for her daughters. ### [Marius' Two Chairs Form a Vis-a-Vis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xviii-marius-two-chairs-form-a-vis-a-vis) Mother Jondrette opens the door and dismisses the carriage as instructed. ### [XIX: Occupying One’s Self with Obscure Depths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xix-occupying-one-s-self-with-obscure-depths) Stands guard near the door in a menacing posture, supporting her husband's scheme. ### [The Trap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xx-the-trap) Returns with false address, furious, participates in recapturing Valjean. ### [One Should Always Begin by Arresting the Victims](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xxi-one-should-always-begin-by-arresting-the-victims) Hurls a paving stone at Javert, misses, and is handcuffed; laments for her daughters. ### [Change of Gate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-change-of-gate) Also remembered by Cosette as a hideous figure from her past. ### [Change of Gate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-change-of-gate) Also part of Cosette's vague, nightmarish recollections of her early years. ### [The Malicious Playfulness of the Wind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-malicious-playfulness-of-the-wind) Feels a brief scruple about abandoning her children but is easily persuaded by her husband. ### [I: The Malicious Playfulness of the Wind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-malicious-playfulness-of-the-wind) Expresses scruples about abandoning her children but is persuaded by her husband; she detests her sons and is a mother only to her daughters. ### [In Which Little Gavroche Extracts Profit from Napoleon the Great](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-in-which-little-gavroche-extracts-profit-from-napoleon-the-great) Referenced in Montparnasse's coded phrase 'my wife' as part of his warning to Gavroche. ### [Book III: Mud but the Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iii-mud-but-the-soul) Madame Thénardier mistreats Cosette and colludes with her husband to extort money from Fantine. ### [Two Men Impossible to Find](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-two-men-impossible-to-find) Died in prison while awaiting trial, leaving Thénardier and Azelma as the sole survivors of the group. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/characters/madame_thenardier - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/characters