Dictionary.com defines courage as “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.” Courage is a common attribute of influential people, these people include: Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Bassem Youssef, and reporters on the situation in North Korea. All these people showed true courage in their actions and influence internationally. True courage is also shown in some occupations; law enforcement, fire fighters, and the military. The true definition of courage is when one takes dangerous and daring risks, even if that risk compromises the safety of one, to help or benefit others. Only individuals that compromise their safety for the well-being …show more content…
When Valjean orders Javert to leave in front of Javert and his men, Javert leaves and denounces "Monsieur Madeleine" to the prefect of police at Paris, saying that he suspects “Monsieur Madeleine” is in fact Jean Valjean. While Jean Valjean had never met Fantine before, his attribute of true courage showed when he saw Fantine in need of help and rescued her, regardless of their relationship status. Jean Valjean took multiple major risks when he rescued Fantine because by rescuing Fantine, Valjean increased the suspicion of Jean Valjean being a convict felt by Javert; which is a danger and compromise of his own safety, and Valjean saving a woman he had never met before and knew nothing of; he helped her simply because she was in need and because he wanted to ensure the well-being of Fantine. Even with these daring risks being taken, Jean Valjean continued to care for Fantine until her death. The rescue of Fantine demonstrates the true courage attribute that Jean Valjean has. Yet another character that demonstrates true courage in Les Miserables is Marius. Marius shows true courage in one key occasion throughout Les Miserables. The key occasion Marius shows true courage in is when he argues with Monsieur Gillenormand; his