Les Misérables centers on the character Jean Valjean, an ex-convict in 19th-century France. The story spans many years as it tells of Valjean’s release from prison and reformation as an industrialist while being constantly pursued by the police inspector Javert. During this time he encounters a plethora of characters in Paris such as the impoverished single mother Fantine and Marius, a student and revolutionary who falls in love with Valjean’s adopted daughter, Cosette.