Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables” is one of the most unique and powerful redemption stories of all time. This story is unique in many ways; from its diversity of characters to its meticulous mix of storylines. One of the truly unique aspects of Les Mis is the character of Javert, the main antagonist. What makes Javert so unique is that, rather than the atypical "villain" of modern literature, Javert is a complex individual with a strong sense of justice and morality. Indeed, only in a novel as thoughtful and religious as “Les Mis” could Javert be considered an antagonist. Analyzing the complex themes of “Les Mis,” we can see that very deliberate writing was required to successfully create this character. Given a simple description of Javert and his actions, one might not immediately infer that he is in fact an antagonist. In summary, Javert is a police inspector, totally devoted to his job, zealous for justice to the point of obsession and morally upright. This could very well be the description of the protagonist of any detective novel. This then leaves the question: how can Javert be an antagonist? The direct answer is quite simple: he is in direct opposition to Jean Valjean, the protagonist. Javert must then, by default, be the antagonist. By definition, an antagonist opposes and/or fights against the hero of the story. Throughout Les Mis, Javert zealously tracks down Valjean, stopping at nothing to see him return to the galleys. He also takes sides against the student rebellion, which Valjean seems to support, causing a clash of ideals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Even with these arguments, the concept of Javert being a "villain" might be confusing to some readers. If Valjean is a convict and Javert a police inspector, isn't he just doing his job? The reader might begin to wonder if Valjean is in fact an anti-hero, a corrupt individual with his own sense of morality. This concept, however, is not the case in “Les Miserables.” Jean Valjean is an honest citizen, mayor, factory owner and philanthropist, who follows Christian principles without ulterior motives. He is a true hero in every sense of the word. To fully understand the concept of Javert as an antagonist, we must go to the very heart of Les Misérables. Ultimately, “Les Mis” is a story of redemption. It is a detailed account of a soul's journey from darkness to light. Throughout this story, the message of justice seasoned with mercy comes back again and again. Jean Valjean, as the protagonist, is essentially the embodiment of this message, a living testimony to the power of grace. It is by examining Javert in this context that we see him for what he is: if Valjean is the incarnation of grace, Javert is the incarnation of condemnation. Just as protagonist and antagonist oppose each other, mercy and condemnation oppose each other. Valjean and Javert now become not a clash of individuals, but a clash of theologies; with Valjean representing justice through grace, and Javert representing justice through law. James 2:13 of the New Testament says that “mercy overcomes judgment.” Hugo, a religious man, undoubtedly had this in mind when he orchestrated the conflict between Valjean and Javert. He also exposes it by revealing to the reader the ultimate end of these two characters, and in essence, of these two theologies. Valjean, the representative of justice by grace, dies content and fulfilled, having himself received mercy after having shown mercy to others. Javert, on the other hand, faced with justice.