The Characters

ERIK: otherwise known as the Phantom, is the tragic titular character of the novel. He is physically deformed and may be interpreted either as a tragic hero or a tragic villain.

CHRISTINE: is the main female protagonist of the novel. Christine is originally from Sweden.

RAOUL: is the Viscount of Chagny and Christine's childhood friend. When they meet years later, after Raoul watches Christine's performance at the Opera, they fall in love, get engaged, and make plans to elope.

PHILIPPE: is Raoul's older brother. As both of their parents have died, Philippe is owner of the family estate and wealth, and takes care of Raoul.

CARLOTTA: is the spoiled and vain Spanish prima donna whose performance is sabotaged by Erik. At Erik's demand, she is replaced by Christine.

M. ARMAND MONCHARMIN AND M. FIRMIN RICHARD: the new managers of the Opera House. When their predecessors attempt to explain the conditions laid down by Erik they wave it off as a joke.

M. DEBIENNE AND M. POLIGNY: the old managers of the Opera House. Shortly before they leave, they warn Moncharmin and Richard, their successors, to follow Erik's conditions.

LA SORELLI: the lead ballet dancer.

PROFESSOR AND MAMMA VALERIU: they educate and raise Christine. After the Professor and her father's deaths, Christine lives with Mamma Valerius in Paris.

MME. GIRY: is the box keeper of the Opera. She is loyal to Erik and even displays fondness for him, as he leaves her gifts and promises to help her daughter succeed if Madame Giry obeys him.

MEG GIRY: is Madame Giry's daughter. She is Christine's friend, but she also helps her mother in doing Erik's bidding. She is described as being relatively self-centered, with black eyes and hair, and a very thin body.

THE PERSIAN: is a figure from Erik's tragic past who provides information about him. He helps Raoul recover Christine from Erik, but is only somewhat successful (Erik gives up Christine on his own accord).

DARIUS: the Persian's servant. He brings guns to the Persian and Raoul in Christine's dressing room before they make their way to Erik's home.

MERCIER: the acting-manager. He is involved in the investigation of Christine's disappearance.

REMY: the managers' secretary. He is also involved in the investigation of the disappearance of the Christine.

GABRIEL: the superstitious chorus master. He is also involved in the investigation of the disappearance of the Christine.

MIFROID: the commissary of the police who is called in to investigate the disappearance of Christine.

LITTLE JAMMES: a ballet girl.