Jean Valjean (also referred to as "Monsieur Madeleine," "Ultime Fauchelevent," "Monsieur Leblanc," "Urbain Fabre," "24601" and "9430"; c. 1769-1833) is the protagonist of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables. The character's nineteen year-long struggle with the law for stealing bread (5 years for the theft, 12 years for four attempted escapes and 2 years for fighting back during one escape attempt) during a time of economic and social depression - along with police inspector Javert, who relentlessly pursues Valjean - has become archetypal in literary culture. While in prison, he was first labeled 24601 then labeled 9430.