The story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, originally titled “Notre-Dame de Paris,” was written by Victor Hugo and published in 1831. While the novel is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from real historical events and figures.
Hugo’s narrative centers around the fictional character of Quasimodo, a deformed bell ringer of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and his unrequited love for Esmeralda, a beautiful Romani woman. The backdrop of the story—the Notre Dame Cathedral itself—is a real architectural masterpiece, and Hugo’s work played a significant role in its preservation, as it was facing degradation during his time.
While the characters and specific plot points are not based on real individuals, the themes of societal prejudice, love, and moral complexity resonate with human experiences. Hence, while the tale is fictional, it reflects the real challenges and injustices faced by marginalized individuals in society.