Jean stole a loaf of bread because his nephew was dying and went to prison for it. When he is let out on parole, he cannot get a job because of his background. He becomes angry and hated by most. Then he meets a priest who inspires him to turn his life around. He rips up his parole papers and starts over. Then, he meets Fantine, who's dying wish is for him to care for her young daughter, Cosette. Jean takes her from the people she works for and adopts her as his own daughter.