Sweeney Hyde
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Les Miserables Character Game PollVote for your favorite and tell us why...the characters listed are the ones that were still on the Character Elimination Game at the time this was created. If you guys want to go with that until only one is left (I don't think that will EVER happen) go right ahead.
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Sweeney Hyde
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I whole heartily believe that Javert IS Les Miserables. He is the one that causes Valjean to have to run almost the entire later half of his life. He is the reason, Valjean believes, that he must leave France. It is the combatant relationship between the two that fuel the fire of the whole show.
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kitty17794
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Out of those listed on this poll? Marius and Fantine.
Marius because I prefer the 'second half' of the show, with the young characters and the love triangle - the stuff I can relate to. However, Fantine because her story is so sad (and can be related to, not by me, but by mothers) and I love her key song. 
But my favorite Les Miserables character period, is Eponine.
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Orestes Fasting
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| Sweeney Hyde wrote: | | I whole heartily believe that Javert IS Les Miserables. He is the one that causes Valjean to have to run almost the entire later half of his life. He is the reason, Valjean believes, that he must leave France. It is the combatant relationship between the two that fuel the fire of the whole show. |
Er... how can Javert be the entire soul of the show if all the examples you mentioned have to do with how he relates to and motivates Valjean?
Valjean IS Les Mis�rables. And if you don't have the guts to vote for him, please don't go pretending that your character of choice is more important than he is.
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Sweeney Hyde
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However if it wasn't for the obsessive nature and comitment Javert has for God and Justice, Valjean would have been able to continue life as normal without having to run from his factory and Mayor position to move to paris which introduces us to the rest of the characters. Javert's pursuit of valjean is the driving force behind the show.
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Orestes Fasting
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The Champmathieu affair existed independently of Javert; he was just the messenger.
Besides, how does this make him more important than Valjean if his primary function is still to move Valjean's plotline along?
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Quique
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| Sweeney Hyde wrote: | | However if it wasn't for the obsessive nature and comitment Javert has for God and Justice, Valjean would have been able to continue life as normal without having to run from his factory and Mayor position to move to paris which introduces us to the rest of the characters. Javert's pursuit of valjean is the driving force behind the show. |
HAHAHAHAHA!!!
You don't get it.
Hahahahaha!
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Sweeney Hyde
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| Orestes Fasting wrote: | The Champmathieu affair existed independently of Javert; he was just the messenger.
Besides, how does this make him more important than Valjean if his primary function is still to move Valjean's plotline along? |
Without Javert, what would the story be like? Valjean probably still would have broken his parole. He would have started the factory and he would have become mayor. He would have probably gone to save Cosette from the Thernadiers, however after that he would have had to come back to the town that he basically ran. There is a chance he would never have moved to Paris, allowing Cosette to meet Marius or getting himself caught up in the Revolution of 1848. However, it is entirely possible that a different parole officer would have existed with just as much devotion as Javert, causing the story to continue as normal. This is all just theoritical and of course subjective to all sorts of different outcomes.
I have always felt a connection with Javert and a want to be able to play him someday. Ever since I heard Stars sung for the first time I was hooked on him. What else can I say?
Orestes Fasting, you voted for Enjolras, I assume. I would like to inquire as to why there are so many people who feel that Enjolras is such a great character. Granted, he does have a great part vocally, and gets to die in what is perhaps one of the most famous death scenes in all of musical theatre. But why Enjolras?
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Sweeney Hyde
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^^Sorry...ignore that bit about them going back to the factory town...they wouldn't have been able to do so because Valjean was on the run because he had to come forward as a convict before the court. He may still have ended up in Paris...we don't know...there is that one scene that is quite long in the book with Javert chasing him that may not have occured if Javert wasn't involved and some other cop was his parole officer.
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Orestes Fasting
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You're missing the point. Whatever Javert might do to drive Valjean on, that doesn't change the fact that the story is about Valjean. Every example you've given of Javert's importance is to propel someone else's plotline along, which doesn't make a very convincing case for his importance at all.
If Javert, whom you somehow seem to think is the central figure of Les Mis, were chasing some other ex-con halfway around France, would we have the same basic story at all? Hell no.
If some other policeman were chasing Valjean halfway around France, would the basic framework still be there? Yes. It would be different without Javert, but it would still recognizably be Les Mis�rables.
In other words: without Javert, the story would be changed. Without Valjean, there wouldn't be a story.
Javert is a cool character and makes an important point about morality, but he is not the heart and soul of Les Mis.
| Quote: | | Orestes Fasting, you voted for Enjolras, I assume. I would like to inquire as to why there are so many people who feel that Enjolras is such a great character. Granted, he does have a great part vocally, and gets to die in what is perhaps one of the most famous death scenes in all of musical theatre. But why Enjolras? |
Because I'm a wretched and shameless fangirl, that's why. You were the one who changed the question from "what character appeals to you most?" to "who is, objectively, the best/shiniest/most important character in Les Mis?" Some of us are capable of liking a particular character best without going into delusions that the entire show revolves around them.
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Sweeney Hyde
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Alright...I'm sorry if I made it seem like I thought that the story revolves around Javert. It doesn't (make a note of this...I may forget that I said it at some point  ) revolve around Javert. After all we know very little about Javert's past, besides the born in prison thing to a gypsy. Another point: When Javert commits suicide, the story goes on for another 20 minutes or so. When Valjean dies the story ends.
However...Javert will always be my fav just as Enjy is yours. I call a truce to the end of the Javert-Enjolras War!
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LesMisForever
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| Sweeney Hyde wrote: | | getting himself caught up in the Revolution of 1848. |
The Revolution of 1832 
I don't blame you though. Those French boys were always in one revolution, or another  .
Valjean is indeed the soul of Les Miserables. But, what character i like in the musical?
Javert. I love all what he does in the show from an ARTISTIC point of view.
In the book, my favourite is Fantine.
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Sweeney Hyde
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Sorry. I meant 1832. I am studying the one in 1848 in my AP European History class...it had barricades in it as well...guess I just got confused with my years and events!
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Orestes Fasting
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| LesMisForever wrote: | | Sweeney Hyde wrote: | | getting himself caught up in the Revolution of 1848. |
The Revolution of 1832 |
Or, if you prefer, the Minor and Unpleasant Street Insurrection of 1832, which followed on the heels of the Aborted Revolution of 1830 and was closely succeeded by the Unnecessarily Bloody Revolt of 1834, all of which was just a warmup match for the Chaotic But More-Or-Less Successful Revolution of 1848.
Oh, French history.
(If you want a quick point of reference, remember it this way: in 1832, the king won. In 1848, the revolutionaries won.)
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Sweeney Hyde
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didn't absolutism cause wonderful things for France?
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Orestes Fasting
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Haha, yeah, to say nothing of having four or five distinct political factions all warring for control.
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Quique
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Loves me some Orestes.
It's refreshing to have a fan that knows a lot more than just the common details of the musical. 
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Orestes Fasting
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If you knew how much research I'd done about the era Les Mis is set in, you'd probably stop clapping and start backing away slowly and calling for the men in the white coats.
Which reminds me, I need to go add Vidocq's memoirs to my Amazon wishlist. And call that one library about their collection of primary sources on 1830s secret societies.
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Quique
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*Backs away*
Damn girl, you're hardcore. 
I loves it.
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Orestes Fasting
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Well, if you're practically sitting on a library that has a copy of Les R�volutions du XIXe si�cle, you might as well take advantage of it!
(And what, tracking down, typing up, and translating Hugo's rough drafts isn't hardcore, but researching the Society of the Friends of the People is? XD)
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shakalakababy
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aww, poor fantine got no love
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eponine5
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I just had to vote for Fantine. Admittedly, it was between her and Valjean, but there's something about Fantine that's just so tragic and hopeless and...awww. Without her, there would have been no Cosette and Valjean would have never learned how love and he wouldn't have had anything to live for and would probably have shrivelled away in the galleys. Marius would have either died at the barricades or lost all his money to the Thenardiers. Javert though, he would be happy. I'm not saying she's the most important character (not going to start another argument like that) but she has one of the most moving stories. (I might also have been influenced by the fact that she had no other votes)
And it's kind of ironic, after all those Cosette/Eponine arguments that niether of them made it to this poll
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LesMisForever
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Yeah...OF is a cool guy, eh sorry, a cool girl  . I love girls who know their history AND mythology
Fantine is probably my second favourite in the musical. But, i am not the biggest fan of "Come to me".
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olly
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Which character defines Les Miserables? Valjean.
Which character do I find most appealing, sympathetic, fantastic songs, lovely part to play? Javert.
I love Javert, his songs are brilliant, and the story takes us through a journey of introspection of the character. It's exciting to see how Valjean can alter his charcater and have some a profound effect on his emotions.
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Electricity24601
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My absolute favorite is Valjean- hands down, both musical and book. I love watching his transformation from hardened prisoner to loving father, love watching his moral conflicts about doing "the right thing" or saving his own hide, and love watching the way his relationships with the other characters develop.
He also gets some pretty freakin' awesome songs in the musical. Plus JOJ is my fave performer and his JVJ was the first I ever saw- so it started things off on a good foot.
Besides that, I love Fantine. Her story is so touching, and watching her downward spiral from elgant and dignified beauty to miserable prostitute is really heartwrenching.
In the B-way revival and the book I love Cosette- she's a character I can relate to- young, innocent, and in love. And she seems like such a bigger character in the b-way revival- I think it has to do with the marvelous Ali Edwolt.
I also have a fan-girl type liking for Grantaire. I suppose it's because he's funny and idiotic and touching at the same time, and is way more fun to watch in the cafe scene than anyone else. And there are so many different ways to interpret his character.
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Quique
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Valjean is it for me.
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Eponine93
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Who's the most important character in Les Mis? Valjean.
Who are my favorite characters? Fantine and Enjolras. I am a huge Enjy fangirl. If I knew him, I would be the Eponine to his Marius (sorry, bad comparison, I'll stop now...)
And Fantine? She's pretty much strengh and courage- two traits I greatly admire- in human form. I know she's tragic and hopeless, but she handles it a lot better than most people would handle it. Her being the character that sings my favorite song of all time doesn't really hurt, either.
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EponinesRain
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| Orestes Fasting wrote: | | Because I'm a wretched and shameless fangirl, that's why. |
That's all good and understandable but I'm still curious as to why Enjolras is so popular. I mean, I've heard arguments for Javert and Fantine, but all I've gotten from the Enjy fans are "He's so cool!" or "He's got the best songs!" or something to that effect. I don't know the book or the musical as well as you guys do, so educate me and tell me what's so good about this strapping young barricade boy. Is it b/c he's so passionate about the revolution or what? We've analyzed and defended Eponine to death, so we should do the same with Enjy. Give me your good reason of liking him!
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Robinflamingo
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It's Valjean for me, but probably because the first time I saw the musical it had Colm Wilkinson in it, and then nothing else would do.
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Orestes Fasting
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| EponinesRain wrote: | | Orestes Fasting wrote: | | Because I'm a wretched and shameless fangirl, that's why. |
That's all good and understandable but I'm still curious as to why Enjolras is so popular. I mean, I've heard arguments for Javert and Fantine, but all I've gotten from the Enjy fans are "He's so cool!" or "He's got the best songs!" or something to that effect. I don't know the book or the musical as well as you guys do, so educate me and tell me what's so good about this strapping young barricade boy. Is it b/c he's so passionate about the revolution or what? We've analyzed and defended Eponine to death, so we should do the same with Enjy. Give me your good reason of liking him! |
Well, hie thee on over to the revival review thread and check out Hugo's description of him on page three for the first reason, haha.
Then contemplate that he is beautiful, passionate, untouchable, dedicated, inspirational, one-half of the fandom's biggest OTP since Marius/Eponine, and hands-down winner of the Best Death Scene award in both book and musical. You just have to love a man with the courage to die well.
And of course it doesn't hurt that most Enjolras fangirls have a big fat giant crush on him, mostly for the reasons above + the effect of tight pants and a flashy vest.
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music is my life!!!
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i voted for fantine cuz she's so strong
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EponineBarker
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| Quote: | Well, hie thee on over to the revival review thread and check out Hugo's description of him on page three for the first reason, haha.
Then contemplate that he is beautiful, passionate, untouchable, dedicated, inspirational, one-half of the fandom's biggest OTP since Marius/Eponine, and hands-down winner of the Best Death Scene award in both book and musical. You just have to love a man with the courage to die well.
And of course it doesn't hurt that most Enjolras fangirls have a big fat giant crush on him, mostly for the reasons above + the effect of tight pants and a flashy vest. |
LOL! I just couldn't help laughing when I read the "tight pants and flashy vest" part! True that doesn't hurt, but I reason I voted for Enjolras is probably beacuse he was so passionate about what he believed in, that he was willing to risk death just to achieve it.
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Eponine93
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| EponineBarker wrote: | | Quote: | Well, hie thee on over to the revival review thread and check out Hugo's description of him on page three for the first reason, haha.
Then contemplate that he is beautiful, passionate, untouchable, dedicated, inspirational, one-half of the fandom's biggest OTP since Marius/Eponine, and hands-down winner of the Best Death Scene award in both book and musical. You just have to love a man with the courage to die well.
And of course it doesn't hurt that most Enjolras fangirls have a big fat giant crush on him, mostly for the reasons above + the effect of tight pants and a flashy vest. |
LOL! I just couldn't help laughing when I read the "tight pants and flashy vest" part! True that doesn't hurt, but I reason I voted for Enjolras is probably beacuse he was so passionate about what he believed in, that he was willing to risk death just to achieve it. |
Interesting point of him being passionate. He's written as passionate, but whether it comes through or not depends on the actors. Some Enjolrati (I forgot who first made up that word, I adore it) get the passion across, some Enjolrati (*cough cough* Drew Sarich) seem like they're just causing a rebellion because they're bored.
Speaking of the flashy vest, if Aaron Lazar's on today, I'm going to stage door and ask him I can borrow the vest to wear to my prom.
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Orestes Fasting
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| Quote: | | Enjolrati (I forgot who first made up that word, I adore it) |
It's from the fanfiction community, I believe. First we had Marii, then a Latin geek decided to pluralize 'Enjolras' in the vein of libertas. (I don't think the plural of libertas takes an -i ending, but it's the -as to -at shift that's important anyway.)
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