the song is "do you hear the people sing?" from les Misérables

2. Describe the characters/s in the song using adjectives. Use research/prompts to help you.
• Who are they? eg. key characteristics, who they are in the musical.
What do they want? What is their motive?

1 answer

In the song "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from "Les Misérables," the lyrics express the collective aspirations and struggles of the characters involved in the French Revolution. The song is performed by the revolutionary students and citizens, and they are characterized by their passion and dedication to the cause of justice and freedom. Here are some key characters and their descriptions:

  1. Enjolras:

    • Adjectives: Charismatic, passionate, determined, courageous.
    • Who he is: Enjolras is the leader of the student revolutionaries. As a fervent advocate for social justice, he embodies the spirit of rebellion against oppression.
    • What he wants: Enjolras desires freedom and equality for his fellow citizens. His motive is to inspire others to rise against tyranny and to fight for a better future.
  2. Grantaire:

    • Adjectives: Cynical, loyal, introspective, disillusioned.
    • Who he is: Grantaire is a friend of Enjolras, but he is often seen as a skeptic who doubts the likelihood of success in their revolutionary goals. Despite his cynicism, he is deeply loyal to Enjolras and the cause.
    • What he wants: Grantaire seeks meaning and connection within the movement, often wrestling with his pessimism regarding change.
  3. The Students (Revolutionaries):

    • Adjectives: Hopeful, idealistic, united, fervent.
    • Who they are: These characters represent a collective group of young individuals who are inspired by revolutionary ideas. They are filled with hope and determination to change their world.
    • What they want: The students long for a just society where oppression is eradicated and where equal rights prevail. Their motive is to unite the populace against injustice and to bring about transformative change.
  4. Citizens:

    • Adjectives: Desperate, resilient, connected, passionate.
    • Who they are: The citizens who join in the song represent the everyday people affected by poverty and injustice in society. They are an essential part of the revolutionary movement.
    • What they want: The citizens desire a voice and a place in the new society. They want to be free from oppression and to contribute to the fight for their rights and liberties.

Overall, the characters in "Do You Hear the People Sing?" are united by a common desire for justice and a brighter future. They are driven by hope, resilience, and the belief that they can create a better world through their collective action.