The Phantom (Erik)

The Phantom (Erik) was cast out by his mother at a young age and doomed to life as a carnival attraction, until a young Madame Giry, a student of ballet at the opera house helps him escape and hides him in the bowels of the opera house, from the world and its cruelties. There he stays, making it his home and artistic domain. His genius in the musical arts, architecture and 'wizardry' grows as the years pass, but he longs for something more, the touch of a worthy woman. When Christine Daare comes to live at the opera house he teaches her to sing, whispearing songs to her in her sleep, becoming her friend and teacher. When she shines he comes out of his shadows and shows himself to her, luring her with his voice and presence. She follows him without a thought, her Angel of Music is taking her away. When Christine takes off his mask he is fearful then sad, he takes her back to her home, knowing she isn't quite ready yet and instructs the owners to make her their new star. When he is disobeyed, he murders Buquet and makes his point. After Christine betrays him with Raoul, the Phantom retreats into his lair, writing an opera. He returns on New Years with his proposal and the rest try to ensnare him in a trap. But the Phantom is too clever, he kills Piangi and takes his place on the stage next to Christine and begs her to come with him, love him, show him a different world. She pulls his mask off and he takes her back to his lair, his prize, until Raoul comes. Ensnaring Raoul, he tries to make Christine choose, Christine chooses him after much anguish, saving Raoul in the process. As the sounds of the mob come down the hall, The Phantom tells Christine and Raoul to go, to forget everything that has happened. Christine leaves but comes back, leaving him a token of her affection. The Phantom smashes his mirrors and secretly escapes the opera house as the mob approach. He leaves the token, a ring, wrapped in his signature rose tied with a black ribbon on her grave, displaying his never ending affection for her.