Hugo's father was a highly decorated officer in Napoleon's army. When Victor was young, they travelled a lot to be with him. Eventually, he was defeated in Spain and shamed by other followers of Napoleon.

Sophie was a Catholic Royalist. She had strong faith that she attempted to spread to her family. Joseph resisted, so she decided to leave him. She took the children with her and moved to Paris.

Joseph & Sophie

Hugo's parents had very opposing political and religious views, which eventually led to their separation