Les Miserables In Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables Jean Valjean goes through many difficult struggles and finds the much needed influence to help him. There are three characters who influence Jean: Bishop Bienvenu, Cosette, and Bishop Bienvenu’s influence on Jean is similar to that of a father’s influence on his son. Bishop Bienvenu’s influence is critical to the start of Jean’s life after prison. The Bishop was the only person that would shelter Jean for that long first night. During the night Jean stole his silver wear. Instead of being angry, the Bishop confirms Jean’s story and gives him the silver candlesticks too. ‘“Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer bel