At the beginning of the novel Jean Valjean is introduced right after he has been released from the galleys. He is a ragged traveler and is about 46 or 47 years old. He is of medium height and appears quite strong. He has on a leather cap, a yellow shirt, patched blue trousers and a torn, grey blouse. He carries with him a knapsack and a walking stick. His hair has been shaved, but is starting to grow back.

Throughout the novel, Jean Valjean stays mostly the same. He is always strong and does not look his age. This changes at the end of the novel when he is dying; it is apparent that time and the events in his life have taken their toll. He is so sick he cannot sit up, or even walk a few feet. He has hard time breathing and seems to have shrunk. He...