Scripts
LES MISERABLES poster

2012

LES MISERABLES script

After nineteen years of imprisonment, Jean Valjean breaks parole to start a new life, becoming a respected mayor and factory owner, but is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert. Valjean raises Cosette, the daughter of a dying factory worker, while navigating Javert's pursuit and the machinations of the abusive Thenardiers. Years later, Valjean saves a wounded Marius, Cosette's love, during a student revolution, leading Javert to a crisis of conscience and eventual suicide. Marius and Cosette marry, and after a final attempt by the Thenardiers to expose his past, Valjean dies peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

Writer
William Nicholson, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, and Herbert Kretzmer
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt1707386
Script date
2012
118Scenes
14Characters
19Pages
1Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

LES MISERABLES Save the Cat analysis

Jean Valjean’s journey begins under oppression and evolves through mercy, identity crisis, and revolutionary fervor, culminating in sacrifice and redemption.

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50

Key characters

UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, UNKNOWN is connected to 63 scenes, 1038 dialogue lines, first appearing around scene 1.

63 scenes / 1038 dialogue lines

Jean Valjean

Jean Valjean is listed as Protagonist. A former convict who seeks redemption after nineteen years of imprisonment. In the parsed data, Jean Valjean is connected to 33 scenes, 43 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

33 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Marius Pontmercy

Marius Pontmercy is listed as Supporting. A young student revolutionary who falls in love with Cosette. In the parsed data, Marius Pontmercy is connected to 23 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

23 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Javert

Javert is listed as Antagonist. A rigid, uncompromising police inspector obsessed with capturing Valjean. In the parsed data, Javert is connected to 21 scenes, 52 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

21 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Eponine

Eponine is listed as Supporting. The daughter of the Thenardiers, secretly in love with Marius. In the parsed data, Eponine is connected to 21 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

21 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Cosette

Cosette is listed as Supporting. Fantine's daughter, later adopted by Valjean. In the parsed data, Cosette is connected to 19 scenes, 108 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

19 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Madame Thenardier

Madame Thenardier is listed as Antagonist. Thenardier's wife, equally corrupt and cruel. In the parsed data, Madame Thenardier is connected to 16 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

16 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Bishop of Digne

Bishop of Digne is listed as Supporting. A kind, religious man who shows mercy to Valjean. In the parsed data, Bishop of Digne is connected to 14 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

14 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Enjolras

Enjolras is listed as Supporting. The charismatic leader of the student revolutionaries. In the parsed data, Enjolras is connected to 13 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

13 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Fantine

Fantine is listed as Supporting. A tragic figure, mother of Cosette, forced into prostitution to support her child. In the parsed data, Fantine is connected to 12 scenes, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.

12 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Thenardier

Thenardier is listed as Antagonist. A corrupt, greedy innkeeper and petty criminal. In the parsed data, Thenardier is connected to 12 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.

12 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

char_13

char_13 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_13 is connected to 5 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

5 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

char_12

char_12 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_12 is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

4 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Gavroche

Gavroche is listed as Supporting. A street urchin who participates in the revolution. In the parsed data, Gavroche is connected to 3 scenes, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.

3 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. EXT. TOULON DOCK

    Convicts perform heavy labor in a storm; Jean Valjean displays his strength to Javert before being released on parole.

    Jean Valjean, Javert

  2. 1. INT. COURTROOM - NIGHT

    Valjean reveals his identity in court to save an innocent man.

    Jean Valjean, Javert

  3. 1. EXT. INN, MONTFERMEIL

    Valjean departs with Cosette by cab.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette

  4. 1. EXT. RUE PLUMET

    Thenardier and his gang retreat into the sewers, leaving Eponine after physically attacking her.

    Eponine, Madame Thenardier

  5. 1. INT. INN, RUE DE L'HOMME ARMEE, PARIS

    Gavroche delivers a letter from Marius to Valjean at an inn.

    Jean Valjean, Enjolras

  6. 1. INT. CAFÉ MUSAIN

    The soldiers attack the cafe. Enjolras remains alone, Grantaire wakes up to join him, and both are killed by the soldiers.

    Bishop of Digne, char_12

  7. 1. Marius's Family House, Paris

    Cosette brings Marius home; he recovers; family celebration with Valjean and Gillenormand.

    Cosette, Marius Pontmercy, Jean Valjean, char_13

  8. 2. EXT. ROAD OUT OF TOULON

    Valjean reflects on his newfound freedom as he looks over the landscape.

    Jean Valjean

  9. 2. INT. HOSPITAL, MONTREUIL - NIGHT

    Valjean learns of Thenardier's greed regarding Fantine's daughter.

    Jean Valjean, Fantine

  10. 2. INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL

    The Thenardiers realize Cosette is gone and Javert arrives looking for her.

    Eponine, Thenardier, Javert

  11. 2. INT. VALJEAN'S HOUSE - RUE PLUMET

    Valjean decides he and Cosette must leave the house immediately due to fear of Javert.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette

  12. 2. INT. VALJEAN'S ROOM, LODGING HOUSE

    Valjean reads Marius's farewell letter to Cosette and resolves to find Marius.

    Jean Valjean

  13. 2. EXT. BARRICADE

    Enjolras's body hangs from the window. Javert surveys the aftermath of the battle.

    Bishop of Digne, Javert

  14. 2. Parlour, Marius's Family House

    Valjean confesses his past to Marius and declares he must leave.

    Jean Valjean, Marius Pontmercy

  15. 3. INT. HOSPITAL, MONTREUIL - NIGHT

    Fantine passes away and Valjean confronts Javert.

    Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine

  16. 3. EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF PARIS

    Valjean reflects on his new life with Cosette and dodges police at the gate.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette

  17. 3. EXT. GARDEN, RUE PLUMET

    Cosette attempts to leave a letter for Marius but encounters Eponine.

    Cosette, Madame Thenardier

  18. 3. EXT. PARIS STREETS

    Valjean wanders the streets, finds a dead soldier's jacket, and decides to head to the barricade.

    Jean Valjean

  19. 3. EXT. BACK ALLEY

    Valjean hides from soldiers by using a storm drain; Javert discovers the escape path.

    Jean Valjean, Marius Pontmercy, Javert

  20. 3. Marius's Family House, Exterior

    Valjean departs by cab.

    Jean Valjean

  21. 4. EXT. COUNTRY ROAD

    Valjean attempts to find work but is rejected due to his prisoner status.

    Jean Valjean

  22. 4. EXT. HARBOUR, MONTREUIL - NIGHT

    Javert searches for Valjean while Valjean vows to raise Cosette.

    Jean Valjean, Javert

  23. 4. EXT. PARIS BROKEN WALL

    Valjean climbs a wall.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette

  24. 4. EXT. RUE PLUMET/BRIDGE/RUE DE LA CHANVRERIE

    Eponine wanders the streets reflecting on her unrequited love for Marius.

    Madame Thenardier

  25. 4. EXT. BARRICADE

    Valjean enters the barricade, saves the rebels from snipers, and requests custody of Javert.

    Jean Valjean, Javert, Marius Pontmercy, Eponine, Madame Thenardier, Enjolras

  26. 4. INT. PARIS SEWERS

    Valjean navigates the sewers, encounters Thenardier who is looting bodies, and forces Thenardier to show him the way out.

    Jean Valjean, Marius Pontmercy, Eponine

  27. 4. Marius's Family House, Interior

    Cosette and Marius discuss Valjean's sudden departure.

    Cosette, Marius Pontmercy

  28. 5. EXT. MONTFERMEIL - DUSK

    The Frost Fair in Montfermeil.

    Cosette, Eponine, Madame Thenardier

  29. 5. EXT. PARIS SLUM STREET

    Valjean and Cosette navigate dark streets.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette

  30. 5. INT. GORBEAU TENEMENT

    Eponine informs Marius that Cosette is moving to England.

    Madame Thenardier, Marius Pontmercy

  31. 5. EXT. BARRICADE / INT. CAFE MUSAIN

    Valjean prays for Marius's safety while the rebels prepare for the final attack.

    Jean Valjean, Marius Pontmercy

  32. 5. EXT. RIVER EMBANKMENT, PARIS

    Valjean reaches the river and encounters Javert. Javert lets him go, then commits suicide by jumping into the river.

    Jean Valjean, Marius Pontmercy, Javert

  33. 5. Marius's Family House, Exterior

    Wedding guests celebrate the marriage of Marius and Cosette.

    Cosette, Marius Pontmercy

  34. 6. EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD

    Valjean arrives at the village of Digne looking for shelter.

    Jean Valjean

  35. 6. INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - END OF DAY

    Cosette dreams of a better life while the Thenardiers abuse her.

    Cosette, Thenardier, Madame Thenardier

  36. 6. EXT. PARIS - RIVER SEINE

    Valjean spots Javert near the river.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette, Javert

  37. 6. EXT. RUE PLUMET

    Marius discovers the house is empty.

    Marius Pontmercy, Madame Thenardier

  38. 6. EXT. BARRICADE

    The final assault on the barricade begins; Gavroche is killed while scavenging for ammunition.

    Jean Valjean, Marius Pontmercy, Enjolras, Bishop of Digne

  39. 6. EXT. STREET OUTSIDE CAFÉ MUSAIN

    Women mourn the students who died at the barricade.

  40. 6. Marius's Family House, Interior

    The Thenardiers crash the wedding reception and try to blackmail Marius.

    Marius Pontmercy, Cosette, Eponine, Thenardier, char_13

  41. 7. EXT. DIGNE

    Valjean enters Digne and interacts with local guards.

    Jean Valjean

  42. 7. INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - DUSK

    Thenardier and his gang revel while scamming patrons.

    Eponine, Thenardier

  43. 7. EXT. MAZE OF OLD STREETS

    Valjean and Cosette are chased by Javert and soldiers.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette, Javert

  44. 7. INT. CARRIAGE

    Valjean contemplates the journey ahead.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette

  45. 7. INT. CAFE MUSAIN

    Students and soldiers engage in final combat within the cafe.

  46. 7. INT. MARIUS'S FAMILY HOUSE, PARIS

    Marius wakes up at his grandfather's house and reconciles with him.

    Marius Pontmercy, char_13

  47. 7. Convent, Exterior

    View of the convent windows.

  48. 8. INT. MAIRIE, DIGNE

    Valjean registers his presence at the local town hall.

    Jean Valjean

  49. 8. EXT. DEAD END

    Valjean and Cosette are trapped at a wall and escape into a convent.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette

  50. 8. EXT. RUE PLUMET

    Marius laments his separation from Cosette.

    Marius Pontmercy

  51. 8. EXT. BARRICADE

    Valjean attempts to save Marius as soldiers breach the perimeter.

    Jean Valjean, Marius Pontmercy

  52. 8. INT. CAFÉ MUSAIN

    Marius returns to the cafe, laments his fallen friends, and meets Cosette.

    Marius Pontmercy, Cosette

  53. 8. Convent Chapel

    Valjean prays, preparing for death.

    Jean Valjean, Fantine

  54. 9. INT. COUNTRY INN, DIGNE

    Valjean is refused service at an inn after the innkeeper sees his papers.

    Jean Valjean

  55. 9. INT. CONVENT CLOISTER

    Valjean encounters Fauchelevent and finds sanctuary.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette

  56. 9. INT. CARRIAGE

    Cosette and Valjean express conflicting thoughts on their departure.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette

  57. 9. Convent Cloisters

    Marius and Cosette arrive at the chapel.

    Cosette, Marius Pontmercy

  58. 10. EXT. DIGNE

    Valjean wanders the village and observes a family through a window.

    Jean Valjean

  59. 10. EXT. PLACE DE LA BASTILLE, PARIS

    Introduction to the street urchins living in the elephant monument nine years later.

    Enjolras

  60. 10. EXT/INT. RUE PLUMET/CARRIAGE

    Marius, Cosette, Valjean, and Eponine express their hopes and sorrows in the final night before the barricade.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette, Marius Pontmercy, Madame Thenardier

  61. 10. Convent Chapel

    Reunion and death of Jean Valjean.

    Jean Valjean, Cosette, Marius Pontmercy, Fantine, Madame Thenardier, Gavroche

  62. 11. INT. BISHOP'S HOUSE - NIGHT

    The Bishop offers Valjean food and shelter, and Valjean struggles with his past while eventually stealing the Bishop's silver.

    Jean Valjean, Gavroche

  63. 12. EXT. CHURCHYARD - NIGHT

    Valjean escapes through the churchyard after stealing the silver.

    Jean Valjean

  64. 13. INT. BISHOP'S HOUSE - DAY

    Police bring Valjean back with the silver, but the Bishop claims he gave it to him and adds the candlesticks.

    Jean Valjean, Gavroche

  65. 14. INT. CHURCH, DIGNE - DAY

    Valjean has an existential crisis in the church, contemplating his life and the Bishop's mercy.

    Jean Valjean

  66. 15. EXT. CHURCH, DIGNE - DAY

    Valjean destroys his passport and moves forward toward a new life.

    Jean Valjean

  67. 21. EXT. ROAD TO MONTREUIL

    Javert and two policemen ride toward Montreuil-sur-Mer.

    Javert

  68. 22. EXT. GATES TO MONTREUIL

    Javert observes the desperate poor at the gates of the town.

    Javert

  69. 23. EXT. HARBOUR - MONTREUIL

    Javert rides through the harbour as the beggars sing of their suffering.

    Javert

  70. 24. EXT. FACTORY YARD, MONTREUIL

    Workers load crates while the foreman manages the yard.

  71. 25. INT. FACTORY, MONTREUIL - MEN'S SECTION

    The foreman walks through the men's work area.

  72. 26. INT. FACTORY, MONTREUIL - WOMEN'S SECTION

    The foreman harasses Fantine, and the women discuss their boss, the mayor.

    Jean Valjean, Fantine

  73. 27. INT. FACTORY OFFICE

    Javert introduces himself to Valjean.

    Jean Valjean, Javert

  74. 28. EXT. TRACK LEADING TO FACTORY, MONTREUIL

    Valjean saves a man pinned under a cart, alarming Javert.

    Jean Valjean, Javert

  75. 29. EXT. HARBOUR, MONTREUIL

    Fantine wanders toward the red light district.

    Fantine

  76. 30. EXT. RED LIGHT DISTRICT, MONTREUIL

    Fantine sells her locket and hair to pay for her daughter's needs.

    Fantine

  77. 31. EXT. RED LIGHT DISTRICT MONTREUIL

    A desperate Fantine is coerced into prostitution and tooth removal.

    Fantine

  78. 31. EXT. RED LIGHT DISTRICT MONTREUIL

    Fantine is forced into prostitution while a pimp and other whores pressure her. A captain expresses interest.

    Fantine

  79. 32. INT. ROTTING SHIP'S HULK, MONTREUIL

    Fantine is forced to entertain a captain in the ship's hulk.

    Fantine

  80. 33. INT. ROTTING SHIP'S HULK, MONTREUIL

    Fantine is left alone after a customer leaves and reflects on her past life.

    Fantine

Dialogue examples

Damned if I live in the debt of a thief! Damned if I yield at the end of the chase! I am the law and the law is not mocked! I'll spit his pity right back in his face! There is nothing on earth that we share! It is either Valjean or Javert! How can I allow this man To hold dominion over me? This desperate man that I have hunted... He gave me my life! He gave me freedom! I should have perished by his hand It was his right... It was my right to die as well... Instead I live... But live in hell!

UNKNOWN / Scene 10

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