Fantine’s Early Life: The novel describes Fantine’s early life, including her romance with a man named Felix Tholomyès. She becomes pregnant with his child, but he abandons her, leaving Fantine to fend for herself.Cosette’s Birth and Abandonment: Fantine gives birth to Cosette and struggles to provide for her. Faced with dire poverty and the need to support her daughter, she is forced to leave Cosette in the care of the unscrupulous Innkeepers, the Thenardiers, who mistreat her.Fall into Despair: As Fantine’s circumstances deteriorate, she loses her job and is driven into desperate measures to support herself and her child. She turns to prostitution and experiences further degradation and suffering.Jean Valjean’s Role: The volume introduces Jean Valjean, the novel's protagonist, who encounters Fantine in a state of utter destitution. Jean Valjean, who has recently been released from prison, becomes involved in Fantine’s life, promising to care for Cosette and eventually taking responsibility for her well-being.