# Thénardier — Les Misérables character guide > Thénardier in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Monsieur Thénardier, Jondrette, Fabantou **First appearance:** 0044-ii-first-sketch-of-two-unprepossessing-figures ## Snapshot A smiling innkeeper who charges starving mothers by the letter and picks pockets by the corpse, Thénardier turns charity itself into a business model. ## Who they are At his Montfermeil inn he takes in Fantine's child as a boarder and promptly converts her into an unpaid servant, billing her mother for imaginary illnesses. He is a man of appetites — for money, for leverage, for the small cruelties that make him feel tall — and he keeps a lawyer's memory for other people's secrets. His letters and schemes thread through the novel's middle, dragging Cosette's past and Valjean's identity into the same squalid room. ## Relationships ### [Marius Pontmercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/characters/marius_pontmercy) _rivalry_ Marius despises Thénardier for his villainy and extortion, though Thénardier later tries to exploit Marius. ### [Marius Pontmercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/characters/marius_pontmercy) _rivalry_ Marius despises Thénardier for his villainy and extortion, though Thénardier later tries to exploit Marius. ### [Marius Pontmercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/characters/marius_pontmercy) _rivalry_ Marius despises Thénardier for his villainy and extortion, though Thénardier later tries to exploit Marius. ## In the story ### [Volume I: Fantine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-i-fantine) The innkeeper who takes in Cosette and, along with his wife, mistreats her while demanding ever-increasing payments from Fantine. ### [Volume I: Fantine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-i-fantine) The innkeeper who takes in Cosette and exploits Fantine by demanding increasing sums of money for her care. ### [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 host of the public house in Rue de Chaffaut who initially offers supper and bed but later, upon suspicion, threatens the traveler with a gun and drives him away. ### [VI: Jean Valjean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-jean-valjean) Not present in this chapter. ### [I: One Mother Meets Another Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-one-mother-meets-another-mother) Husband of Madame Thénardier, co-owner of the inn at Montfermeil. ### [I: One Mother Meets Another Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-one-mother-meets-another-mother) The innkeeper, mentioned as the husband of Madame Thénardier, though not directly appearing in this chapter. ### [First Sketch of Two Unprepossessing Figures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-first-sketch-of-two-unprepossessing-figures) Introduced as a coarse, potentially dangerous man with a shadowy past, possibly a former soldier in the 1815 campaign, who runs a hostelry and painted its sign himself. ### [First Sketch of Two Unprepossessing Figures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-first-sketch-of-two-unprepossessing-figures) Introduced as a troublesome figure, a former soldier and sergeant, with a dark soul and a tendency toward evil; the sign of his hostelry alludes to his feats of arms. ### [III: The Lark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-the-lark) Exploits Cosette for labor and money; demands increased payments from Fantine; maintains a facade of charity. ### [III: The Lark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-the-lark) Exploits Cosette financially, demanding increased payments from Fantine and threatening to expose her secret. He treats Cosette as a burden despite profiting from her. ### [Book V: The Descent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-v-the-descent) Thénardier overcharges Fantine for Cosette's upkeep, driving her further into poverty. ### [Book V: The Descent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-v-the-descent) Thénardier continues to extort money from Fantine for Cosette's care. ### [The History of a Progress in Black Glass Trinkets](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-history-of-a-progress-in-black-glass-trinkets) Thénardier is referenced as the innkeeper with whom Fantine left Cosette. ### [Madame Victurnien Expends Thirty Francs on Morality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-madame-victurnien-expends-thirty-francs-on-morality) Mentioned as the innkeeper at Montfermeil to whom Fantine sends money and letters. ### [Madame Victurnien Expends Thirty Francs on Morality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-madame-victurnien-expends-thirty-francs-on-morality) The innkeeper to whom Fantine sends money and letters; his demands increase. ### [X: Result of the Success](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-result-of-the-success) Thénardier writes demanding money for Cosette's supposed illness and threatens to turn her out into the cold. ### [X: Result of the Success](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-result-of-the-success) Thénardier writes demanding money for Cosette's care, exploiting Fantine's desperation. ### [The Beginning of Repose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-beginning-of-repose) Receives money from M. Madeleine but refuses to send Cosette, seeing her as a source of profit. ### [The Beginning of Repose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-beginning-of-repose) Receives money from M. Madeleine but refuses to send Cosette, seeing her as a future source of income. ### [Volume II: Cosette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-ii-cosette) Exploits Cosette and overcharges for her care. ### [Volume II: Cosette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-ii-cosette) Exploits Cosette and later attempts to ambush Valjean. ### [Book I: Waterloo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-i-waterloo) A minor character who appears as a scavenger on the battlefield, robbing the dead and wounded, foreshadowing his role in the story. ### [The Battlefield at Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xix-the-battlefield-at-night) Prowls the battlefield at night as a marauder, stealing from the dead, and saves the life of the wounded officer Pontmercy. ### [The Battlefield at Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xix-the-battlefield-at-night) Prowls the battlefield as a marauder, stealing from the dead, and saves the life of officer Pontmercy. ### [In Which the Reader Will Peruse Two Verses, Which Are of the Devil's Composition, Possibly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-in-which-the-reader-will-peruse-two-verses-which-are-of-the-devil-s-composition-possibly) The tavern proprietor who, along with the schoolmaster, tries to get Boulatruelle to reveal his secrets by plying him with wine. ### [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) Exploits Valjean's need to take Cosette, demanding excessive payment. ### [In Which the Reader Will Peruse Two Verses, Which Are of the Devil’s Composition, Possibly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-in-which-the-reader-will-peruse-two-verses-which-are-of-the-devil-s-composition-possibly) The tavern proprietor who allies himself with Boulatruelle, tries to extract information from him, and interprets his words. ### [The Water Question at Montfermeil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-water-question-at-montfermeil) Thénardier is drinking with customers and talking politics, including the Spanish war and the Duke of Angoulême. He dismissively tells his wife to attend to their crying son. ### [Two Complete Portraits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-two-complete-portraits) Portrayed as a small, thin, pale, and cunning man who is a swindler and a liar, claiming false military heroics at Waterloo. He is the true master of the household, directing his wife with invisible authority. ### [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) Thénardier is present in the inn, but his role is minimal in this excerpt; he is part of the oppressive environment. ### [The Water Question at Montfermeil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-water-question-at-montfermeil) Thénardier is drinking with customers and talking politics, showing his role as the tavern keeper and his indifference to Cosette's plight. ### [Two Complete Portraits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-two-complete-portraits) Portrayed as a small, cunning, and greedy innkeeper with a fraudulent past, including false claims of heroism at Waterloo. He is the master of the household, directing his wife with a 'magnetic action.' ### [The Little One All Alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-the-little-one-all-alone) Mentioned as the source of Cosette's fear; her wrath and threat of beating drive Cosette to obey. ### [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) Thénardier is present in the inn, but not directly involved in the scene; his establishment is the setting. ### [VI: Which Possibly Proves Boulatruelle’s Intelligence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-which-possibly-proves-boulatruelle-s-intelligence) Implied as the innkeeper at Montfermeil, though not directly present in the chapter. ### [Entrance on the Scene of a Doll](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-entrance-on-the-scene-of-a-doll) Thénardier is present at the inn, with the schoolmaster seated at his table, observing the illuminated booths. ### [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 the innkeeper and Cosette's master, though not present in the scene. ### [The Little One All Alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-the-little-one-all-alone) Though not physically present, her fear of the Thénardier drives her actions and terror throughout the scene. ### [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 innkeeper, who silently agrees with his wife's harsh treatment of Cosette and supports overcharging the traveler. ### [IX: Thénardier and His Manouvres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-th-nardier-and-his-manouvres) Crafts an exorbitant bill for the traveller and feigns affection for Cosette to extract more money. ### [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) Pursues Valjean and Cosette, attempts to extort more money, but is outmaneuvered by Valjean's possession of Fantine's letter. ### [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 innkeeper, who silently agrees with his wife's harsh treatment of Cosette and is complicit in overcharging the traveler. ### [Number 9,430 Reappears, and Cosette Wins It in the Lottery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xi-number-9-430-reappears-and-cosette-wins-it-in-the-lottery) Mentioned as the one from whose claws Jean Valjean rescues Cosette. ### [IX: Thénardier and His Manouvres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-th-nardier-and-his-manouvres) Craftily prepares an inflated bill and negotiates to keep Cosette for more money, revealing his greed and manipulation. ### [Book IV: The Gorbeau Hovel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iv-the-gorbeau-hovel) Thénardier appears under the alias Jondrette, living in the same hovel and plotting. ### [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) Pursues Valjean and Cosette after realizing he let them go too cheaply; attempts to extort more money but is outmaneuvered by Valjean's evidence and physical presence. ### [Number 9,430 Reappears, and Cosette Wins It in the Lottery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xi-number-9-430-reappears-and-cosette-wins-it-in-the-lottery) Mentioned as the one from whom Jean Valjean rescues Cosette. ### [Book IV: The Gorbeau Hovel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iv-the-gorbeau-hovel) Resides in the Gorbeau Hovel, embodying the depths of poverty and moral decay. ### [The Remarks of the Principal Tenant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-the-remarks-of-the-principal-tenant) Referenced indirectly through Cosette's mention of Montfermeil, where she was mistreated. ### [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 and contributed to her cold heart. ### [X: Which Explains How Javert Got on the Scent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-which-explains-how-javert-got-on-the-scent) Thénardier is mentioned as the innkeeper who initially reported the abduction of Cosette, but later kept quiet to avoid police scrutiny. ### [X: Which Explains How Javert Got on the Scent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-which-explains-how-javert-got-on-the-scent) Thénardier is mentioned as the innkeeper of Montfermeil who initially reported Cosette's abduction. His later silence and discretion help obscure the trail, but his earlier complaints drew police attention. ### [Volume III: Marius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-iii-marius) Appears as the neighbor Jondrette, living in poverty and plotting against Marius and others, revealing his continued villainy. ### [Little Gavroche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xiii-little-gavroche) Referred to as Jondrette, the father of Gavroche, who lives with his family in the Gorbeau hovel under that alias. ### [Little Gavroche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xiii-little-gavroche) Appears under the alias Jondrette, living in the Gorbeau hovel with his family in extreme poverty. ### [End of the Brigand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-end-of-the-brigand) Mentioned in the colonel's note as the sergeant who saved his life at Waterloo; Marius is asked to help him. ### [End of the Brigand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-end-of-the-brigand) Mentioned as the sergeant who saved Colonel Pontmercy at Waterloo; the colonel asks Marius to help him. ### [Marius Poor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-marius-poor) Thénardier is the object of Marius's relentless search; Marius venerates him as the sergeant who saved his father at Waterloo and feels a deep moral obligation to find and help him in his misery. ### [Poverty a Good Neighbor for Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-poverty-a-good-neighbor-for-misery) Referred to as the Jondrette family, the neighbors who are evicted for unpaid rent. ### [Marius Poor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-marius-poor) Thénardier is the object of Marius's gratitude for saving his father at Waterloo; Marius searches for him in vain for three years. ### [Poverty a Good Neighbor for Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-poverty-a-good-neighbor-for-misery) Thénardier, under the alias Jondrette, is the neighbor whose family is evicted for unpaid rent. ### [Book VII: Patron Minette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-vii-patron-minette) Member of Patron Minette, involved in criminal activities. ### [Patron Minette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-vii-patron-minette) Thénardier is associated with the Patron Minette gang, indicating his deep involvement in criminal activities and his connections within the Parisian underworld. ### [The Wicked Poor Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-viii-the-wicked-poor-man) Disguised as Jondrette, he orchestrates an ambush against a charitable benefactor, revealing his criminal nature. ### [Book VIII: The Wicked Poor Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-viii-the-wicked-poor-man) Disguised as Jondrette, Thénardier orchestrates a scheme to extort money from a benefactor, revealing his manipulative and criminal character. ### [A Rose in Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-a-rose-in-misery) Referred to as Jondrette, he is the author of the begging letter and the father exploiting his daughters. ### [A Providential Peephole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-a-providential-peephole) Referred to as Jondrette, he is the neighbor whose family's misery Marius observes through the peephole. ### [The Wild Man in His Lair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-the-wild-man-in-his-lair) Depicted as a small, livid, haggard man with a cunning and cruel air, writing letters while smoking in the hovel. ### [Strategy and Tactics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-strategy-and-tactics) Orchestrates the deception, breaking furniture and extinguishing the fire to feign destitution. ### [A Rose in Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-a-rose-in-misery) Thénardier, under the alias Jondrette, is revealed as the author of the begging letters. ### [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) Rages against the rich and society, waiting for the charitable visitor. ### [A Providential Peephole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-a-providential-peephole) Referred to as Jondrette, the neighbor whose family's suffering Marius observes through the peephole. ### [Jondrette Comes Near Weeping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-jondrette-comes-near-weeping) Disguised as Jondrette/Fabantou, he exaggerates his family's suffering to manipulate M. Leblanc into giving money. ### [The Wild Man in His Lair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-the-wild-man-in-his-lair) Seen writing letters in the hovel, smoking, and expressing bitter resentment against society. ### [Tariff of Licensed Cabs: Two Francs an Hour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-tariff-of-licensed-cabs-two-francs-an-hour) Disguised as Jondrette, seen conversing with Panchaud on the boulevard. ### [Strategy and Tactics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-strategy-and-tactics) Directs his family in staging a scene of destitution to deceive the philanthropist. ### [XI: Offers of Service from Misery to Wretchedness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xi-offers-of-service-from-misery-to-wretchedness) Thénardier is heard speaking in the background, claiming to have recognized someone, which alarms Marius. ### [The Ray of Light in the Hovel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-the-ray-of-light-in-the-hovel) Rages against the rich and society while waiting for the charitable visitor, then greets him with false deference. ### [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) Reveals his recognition of Jean Valjean and Cosette, plots an ambush to extort money, and leaves to gather accomplices. ### [Jondrette Comes Near Weeping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-jondrette-comes-near-weeping) Disguised as Fabantou, he feigns poverty and desperation, lies about debts and injuries, and scrutinizes M. Leblanc suspiciously. ### [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) Referred to as Jondrette, he is the mastermind of the ambush against M. Leblanc. ### [Tariff of Licensed Cabs: Two Francs an Hour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-tariff-of-licensed-cabs-two-francs-an-hour) Seen on the boulevard wrapped in the philanthropist's greatcoat, conversing with the dangerous prowler Panchaud. ### [XI: Offers of Service from Misery to Wretchedness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xi-offers-of-service-from-misery-to-wretchedness) Jondrette (Thénardier) is heard speaking in the next room, claiming to have recognized someone, which alarms Marius. ### [Jondrette Makes His Purchases](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xv-jondrette-makes-his-purchases) Jondrette (Thénardier) is the man Marius follows; he purchases a cold chisel and disappears over a wall. ### [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) Jondrette recognizes M. Leblanc as a man from eight years ago and plots to ambush him for money. ### [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) Jondrette returns home, gives instructions to his family, and prepares for the ambush, referring to the trap as 'the mousetrap'. ### [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) Thénardier (Jondrette) is the architect of the ambush plot that Marius overhears and seeks to prevent. ### [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) Plans an ambush, uses the five francs from Marius to pay for a fiacre, and readies tools and a rope ladder. ### [In Which a Police Agent Bestows Two Fistfuls on a Lawyer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xiv-in-which-a-police-agent-bestows-two-fistfuls-on-a-lawyer) Referred to as Jondrette, he is the mastermind of the ambush plot that Marius reports. ### [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) Pacing nervously, snuffing the candle, and greeting M. Leblanc with false deference as 'Monsieur Fabantou'. ### [Jondrette Makes His Purchases](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xv-jondrette-makes-his-purchases) Jondrette, actually Thénardier, is seen making purchases and meeting with others. ### [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) Disguised as Jondrette, he feigns poverty and gratitude while orchestrating an ambush, attempting to sell a worthless painting. ### [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) Jondrette returns home, gives orders to his family, and prepares for the ambush, referring to the victim as 'the mousetrap' and 'the cats.' ### [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) Jondrette prepares for an ambush, instructs his wife, and tests a knife while waiting for M. Leblanc. ### [The Trap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xx-the-trap) Leads the ambush, reveals his Waterloo past, demands ransom from M. Leblanc. ### [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) Armed with a knife, attempts to shoot Javert but the pistol misfires; he is handcuffed and arrested. ### [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) Jondrette, the alias of Thénardier, anxiously awaits M. Leblanc and orchestrates the scene. ### [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) Posing as Jondrette, he manipulates M. Leblanc with a fabricated story of poverty and attempts to sell a worthless painting, while secretly coordinating an ambush. ### [The Trap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xx-the-trap) Leads the ambush, demands ransom, reveals his Waterloo past and the painting of Pontmercy. ### [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) Attempts to shoot Javert but the pistol misfires; is handcuffed. ### [Book II: Éponine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-ii-ponine) Thénardier is referenced as Éponine's father, influencing her current situation. ### [I: The Lark’s Meadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-lark-s-meadow) Thénardier is in close confinement in La Force prison. Marius anonymously sends him five francs every Monday, which puzzles Thénardier. ### [Facts Whence History Springs and Which History Ignores](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-facts-whence-history-springs-and-which-history-ignores) Not directly present, but the criminal underworld hinted at in the chapter's atmosphere. ### [Embryonic Formation of Crimes in the Incubation of Prisons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-embryonic-formation-of-crimes-in-the-incubation-of-prisons) Thénardier is referenced indirectly through his daughters and his connection to Magnon, who has relations with him. ### [Book II: Éponine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-ii-ponine) Thénardier is referenced as Éponine's father, though not present in the chapter. ### [I: The Lark’s Meadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-lark-s-meadow) Thénardier is in prison after the ambush; Marius sends him five francs weekly. ### [IV: An Apparition to Marius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-an-apparition-to-marius) Thénardier is mentioned as the father of Éponine, and Marius fears he might learn the address. Éponine assures Marius that her father is in close confinement. ### [An Apparition to Marius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-an-apparition-to-marius) Thénardier is mentioned as Éponine's father, who is in close confinement and from whom she promises to keep the address secret. ### [Change of Gate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-change-of-gate) Remains in Cosette's memory as a hideous figure from her childhood. ### [II: Jean Valjean as a National Guard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-jean-valjean-as-a-national-guard) Mentioned as the author of an epistle addressed to the benevolent gentleman of Saint-Jacques-du-Haut-Pas. ### [Change of Gate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-change-of-gate) Mentioned as a hideous figure from Cosette's dream-like childhood memories. ### [I: A Wound Without, Healing Within](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-a-wound-without-healing-within) Mentioned as part of the Jondrette hovel discovery; Valjean pities the family now in prison. ### [I: A Wound Without, Healing Within](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-a-wound-without-healing-within) Mentioned as the source of the Jondrette den visit; Valjean feels pity for the family despite their imprisonment. ### [The Malicious Playfulness of the Wind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-malicious-playfulness-of-the-wind) Arranges to give away his two youngest sons to Magnon for profit, justifying the act with a cynical reference to Rousseau. ### [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) Mentioned indirectly as the father of the two children (Éponine and Azelma's younger brothers), though not present in the chapter. ### [The Vicissitudes of Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-the-vicissitudes-of-flight) Trapped on a wall above La Force, desperate and paralyzed by cold, awaiting rescue from his accomplices. ### [I: The Malicious Playfulness of the Wind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-malicious-playfulness-of-the-wind) Arranges to give away his two youngest sons to Magnon for profit, rationalizing the abandonment with a cynical reference to Rousseau. ### [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) Mentioned indirectly as Montparnasse's associate; Montparnasse refers to 'my wife' (Madame Thénardier) in his coded warning. ### [III: The Vicissitudes of Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-the-vicissitudes-of-flight) Imprisoned in La Force, attempts escape, ends up stranded on a wall, rescued by Gavroche. ### [Book VIII: Enchantments and Desolations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-viii-enchantments-and-desolations) Thénardier's schemes and malice contribute to the desolation, embodying social injustice and moral decay. ### [A Cab Runs in English and Barks in Slang](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-a-cab-runs-in-english-and-barks-in-slang) Thénardier leads the gang attempting to break into the house, but is stopped by Éponine. ### [A Cab Runs in English and Barks in Slang](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-a-cab-runs-in-english-and-barks-in-slang) Leads the group of ruffians attempting to break into the garden; is confronted and ultimately turned away by his daughter Éponine. ### [I: Jean Valjean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-jean-valjean) Spotted by Jean Valjean on the boulevard; Thénardier did not recognize him but is prowling in the neighborhood. ### [I: Jean Valjean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-jean-valjean) Spotted by Jean Valjean on the boulevard; Thénardier did not recognize him but has been seen prowling in the neighborhood, prompting Valjean's decision to leave. ### [Book X: The 5th of June, 1832](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-x-the-5th-of-june-1832) Lurking in the shadows of the uprising, taking advantage of the chaos. ### [Book X: The 5th of June, 1832](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-x-the-5th-of-june-1832) Lurks in the shadows of the barricade, seeking personal gain amid the chaos. ### [The Atom Fraternizes with the Hurricane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-xi-the-atom-fraternizes-with-the-hurricane) Associated with the criminal underworld that Gavroche navigates. ### [A Burial; An Occasion to Be Born Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-a-burial-an-occasion-to-be-born-again) The criminal element is hinted at with 'genuine visages of criminals' and talk of plunder, suggesting Thénardier's presence among the agitators. ### [IV: The Ebullitions of Former Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-the-ebullitions-of-former-days) Not directly mentioned, but the chaos of the riot provides an opportunity for his criminal activities. ### [Marius Enters the Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-xiii-marius-enters-the-shadow) Thénardier appears as Jondrette, the impoverished and scheming neighbor of Marius, whose family becomes a focus of Marius's observations. ### [Volume V: Jean Valjean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-v-jean-valjean) Villainous figure; his schemes continue to threaten Valjean's peace. ### [Volume V: Jean Valjean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/volume-v-jean-valjean) Appears in the denouement, attempting to blackmail Marius but ultimately revealing Valjean's goodness. ### [How from a Brother One Becomes a Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xvi-how-from-a-brother-one-becomes-a-father) The two children are identified as Thénardier's sons, leased to Magnon and now abandoned. ### [How from a Brother One Becomes a Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xvi-how-from-a-brother-one-becomes-a-father) The two children are identified as Thénardier's sons, leased to Magnon and now abandoned. ### [Book II: The Intestine of the Leviathan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-ii-the-intestine-of-the-leviathan) Thénardier is depicted as a central figure in the criminal underworld, embodying the greed and moral corruption that thrives in the shadows of Paris. ### [Book II: The Intestine of the Leviathan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-ii-the-intestine-of-the-leviathan) Thénardier is depicted as a key figure in the Parisian underworld, embodying the criminal element that thrives in the city's hidden passages. ### [Book III: Mud but the Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iii-mud-but-the-soul) Thénardier exploits Fantine's desperation, overcharging her for Cosette's care. ### [The Torn Coattail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-the-torn-coattail) Appears in the sewer, mistakes Valjean for a murderer, and demands a share of the loot in exchange for unlocking the gate. ### [Marius Produces on Some One Who Is a Judge of the Matter, the Effect of Being Dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-marius-produces-on-some-one-who-is-a-judge-of-the-matter-the-effect-of-being-dead) Mentally noted as the one who opened the grating to divert Javert's pursuit, earning thirty francs. ### [The Torn Coattail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-the-torn-coattail) Confronts Jean Valjean in the sewer, offering to unlock the gate for a share of the loot; takes all the money and a torn piece of Marius's coat; facilitates Valjean's escape. ### [Marius Produces on Some One Who Is a Judge of the Matter, the Effect of Being Dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-marius-produces-on-some-one-who-is-a-judge-of-the-matter-the-effect-of-being-dead) Mentioned as the one who opened the sewer grate to divert Javert's pursuit, earning thirty francs and escaping. ### [Two Men Impossible to Find](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-two-men-impossible-to-find) Condemned to death in absentia for the Gorbeau ambush, he has disappeared completely; Marius seeks him to repay the debt of his father's life. ### [I: The 16th of February, 1833](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-16th-of-february-1833) Disguised as a Spaniard with a large nose and black moustache in the maskers' carriage, he recognizes Jean Valjean and discusses following the wedding. ### [Two Men Impossible to Find](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-two-men-impossible-to-find) The object of Marius's search for gratitude; he has vanished after being condemned to death in absentia, leaving no trace. ### [I: The 16th of February, 1833](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-16th-of-february-1833) Appears disguised as a Spaniard with a large nose and black moustache in the maskers' carriage; recognizes Jean Valjean and plots to follow the wedding. ### [Fading Away of the Twilight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-viii-fading-away-of-the-twilight) Thénardier, under the alias Jondrette, lives in poverty and plots to extort money from M. Leblanc. He orchestrates an ambush with his criminal associates. ### [IV: A Bottle of Ink Which Only Succeeded in Whitening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-a-bottle-of-ink-which-only-succeeded-in-whitening) Thénardier attempts to blackmail Marius with secrets about Jean Valjean, but is exposed and identified by Marius. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/characters/thenardier - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/characters