Gilliatt

Gilliatt is the central protagonist in Victor Hugo's novel, Toilers of the Sea (French: Les Travailleurs de la mer), published in 1866. He is a Guernsey fisherman renowned for his strength, skill, and somewhat solitary nature.

In the novel, Gilliatt undertakes a perilous mission to recover the engine of the shipwrecked steamer Durande, risking his life in a battle against the elements and a formidable sea creature. He does so out of his deep love for Déruchette, the niece of the ship's owner, Mess Lethierry.

Gilliatt's character embodies several themes prevalent in Hugo's works, including the individual against nature, the nobility of labor, and the complexities of love and sacrifice. He is depicted as a man of few words but immense courage and unwavering determination. His actions are driven by a strong moral code and a profound connection to the sea. Ultimately, Gilliatt's fate is tragic, as he sacrifices his own happiness for the well-being of Déruchette, choosing to witness her marriage to another man rather than revealing his own unrequited love. His character is often interpreted as a symbol of selflessness and the power of human endurance.