Key Characters in The Phantom of the Opera Novel

The Main Characters of The Phantom of the Opera

Erik: The Phantom of the Opera

Also known as the Angel of Music, Erik is a man who lives in a labyrinth underneath the Paris Opera House. His face was deformed since birth, and he always wears a mask. He is a brilliant architect and musician. He falls in love with Christine Daaé and fights bitterly for her affections. He “haunts” the opera house and demands that its operations be run a certain way.

Christine Daaé

Christine is a Swedish soprano at the Paris Opera House. She is the daughter of a renowned violin player who died when she was young. She worked in the ballet chorus before the Angel of Music (Erik) helped train her voice. She falls in love with both Erik and Raoul, Viscount of Chagny, her childhood sweetheart. She is ultimately forced to choose between the two men when Erik kidnaps her.

Raoul, Viscount of Chagny

Raoul is Christine’s lover and childhood sweetheart. After her father died, they were separated. When Raoul attends a gala, he hears Christine’s voice and falls in love with her again. He fights Erik fiercely for Christine’s affections.

The Persian (The Daroga)

The Persian is Erik’s only connection to the outside world. When the Shah ordered Erik killed, the Persian helped him escape, resulting in the Persian being stripped of his title (Daroga). He flees to Paris and becomes a permanent fixture at the Paris Opera House. He shows Raoul where Erik’s lair is and attempts to help him rescue Christine.

Philippe, Count of Chagny

Philippe is Raoul’s older brother and the head of the family estate. While he is a congenial man, he is strongly opposed to Raoul and Christine’s match. He attempts to stop their relationship at all costs.

Richard and Armand Moncharmin

The new owners of the Paris Opera House. They do not understand the art of opera and strongly dislike Erik’s interference in what they view strictly as a business venture.

Madame Giry

Madame Giry is an elderly concierge at the Paris Opera House. Though she has never seen Erik, she learns to trust and listen to his voice. She is responsible for carrying Erik’s monthly “salary” and delivering it to Box Five.

The Shah of Persia

The Shah of Persia originally brought Erik to his court to build a palace filled with secret corridors and chambers. However, he later orders Erik to be killed so that the secrets of his palace cannot be revealed.