Les Misérables is a fictional historical novel written by famed French novelist, dramatist, and poet Victor Hugo, originally published in 1862. The novel has several plot lines; however, the main story revolves around Jean Valjean, an ex-prisoner who was sentenced to five years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread in order to feed his starving nieces and nephews. As a result of his sufferings and unpleasant experiences in jail, he is released a changed man—one who is no longer kind and generous and instead despises society and has lost all faith in humanity.

Fantine is a minor, but very relevant character. She is a young woman who becomes pregnant after her lover abandons her, and she is forced to look after the child on her own. Unable to provide for her daughter Cosette, Fantine sells her teeth and hair and becomes a prostitute; she gives her daughter away to the Thénardiers, hoping that they will take good care of her and treat her well.

Unfortunately, the Thénardiers lie to Fantine and tell her that Cosette is always sick and that they need more money to cure her. Thus, Fantine tries to make as much money as she can, so that she can send it to the Thénardiers, who then use it for their own selfish needs. Due to the unsatisfactory living conditions, her profession and poverty, she becomes infected with a contagious disease—tuberculosis. When Jean Valjean meets her, he feels sorry for her and tells her that he will help Cosette, and sends Fantine to the hospital. There, she dies peacefully, trusting Valjean with her daughter's life.