Final answer:
In Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables', the mayor plays an indirect role in Fantine losing her job by not intervening, as he is unaware of her unjust dismissal by the factory foreman due to her illegitimate child.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of the mayor, who is actually Jean Valjean in disguise, plays an indirect role in Fantine's loss of her job. This occurs in Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables. The mayor himself does not fire Fantine, but she loses her job at the factory overseen by Valjean due to a combination of social prejudices and the actions of the factory foreman, who dismisses her upon learning about her illegitimate child. The content loaded question references a critical point in the plot where Fantine's life begins to spiral downwards, leading to significant developments later in the story. The mayor, unaware of the specific circumstances of Fantine's case, does not intervene to prevent her dismissal, which can be interpreted as an oversight on his part considering his position and the power he wields in shaping the lives of the townspeople.