Victor Hugo was born in Besançon, France, on February 26, 1802. His father, Joseph-Léopold-Sigisbert Hugo, was a general in the French army, and his mother, Sophie Trébuchet, was the daughter of a wealthy shipowner. Hugo had two brothers, Abel and Eugène, and a sister, Adèle.
Hugo's parents were both ardent royalists, and they raised their children to be the same way. Hugo was educated at home, and he showed great promise as a student. He began writing at an early age, and he published his first poem, "Élégie sur les ruines du château de Blois," when he was just 14 years old.
In 1821, Hugo married Adèle Foucher. The couple had five children together, but only three survived to adulthood. In 1823, Hugo published his first novel, "Han d'Islande." The novel was a success, and it launched Hugo's career as a writer.
Hugo went on to write many more novels, including "Les Misérables" (1862), "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" (1831), and "Toilers of the Sea" (1866). He also wrote plays, poems, and essays. Hugo was a prolific writer, and he produced a vast body of work.
Hugo was a staunch republican, and he was often critical of the French government. In 1851, he was forced into exile after Napoleon III seized power. Hugo lived in exile for nearly 20 years, during which time he wrote some of his most famous works.
Hugo returned to France in 1870, and he was elected to the French National Assembly. He continued to write until his death in 1885.
Hugo is considered to be one of the greatest writers in French literature. His works have been translated into many languages, and they have been adapted for stage and screen. Hugo's writing is known for its beauty, its power, and its social consciousness. He is a truly influential figure, and his work continues to be read and enjoyed by people all over the world.