Jean Valjean in the book is very deliberate. He rarely takes a big action without looking at the situation and thinking it through. He spends all night and the next day trying to decide whether to reveal his identity, even after he reaches the courthouse. He spends an hour at the inn observing how the Thénardiers treat Cosette vs. their own children, intervening on her behalf several times. He contemplates the message on Cosette’s blotter and stares at Marius’ reply for along time before heading off to the barricade.
But when there’s an immediate threat to someone, he reacts instinctively: the cart, the mast, or Madame Thénardier threatening to beat Cosette. No hesitation.
On Tumblr (Re-Reading Les Mis)