Raoul's Quest to Rescue Christine

Traces Raoul's journey from love-struck viscount to determined rescuer, culminating in his descent into the Opera's cellars.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Boy Who Loved Christine

The Boy Who Loved Christine Childhood Memories Raoul de Chagny first met Christine Daae as a child in Perros-Guirec. He rescued her scarf from the sea and later took violin lessons from her father, Daddy Daae. They shared a love of Breton legends and the story of the Angel of Music. The friendship was cut short when Raoul's family took him away. Rekindled Love Years later, Raoul sees Christine perform at the Opera and falls in love. He visits her dressing-room after her triumph, but she is distant. He overhears a man's voice telling her, 'You must love me.' Jealous and confused, he pursues her, leading to a tense meeting in Perros where she confesses that she hears the Angel of Music. The Promise to Forget Christine warns Raoul to forget the man's voice. She gives him a ring and promises to meet him secretly. They begin a secret engagement, but Christine is torn between her love for Raoul and her fear of the Voice. Raoul resolves to save her from the mysterious influence.

The Secret Engagement

The Secret Engagement The Game of Love Christine proposes a secret engagement to Raoul, saying they can be happy for a month before he leaves for the North Pole expedition. They meet daily in her dressing-room and roam the Opera's hidden corners, playing at being betrothed. Christine is both joyful and haunted, knowing that the Voice watches. The Shadow of Erik Raoul notices Christine's growing fear. She is terrified of trap-doors and the underground. She tells him that everything below belongs to 'him.' She reveals that she has been to the ghost's house on the lake and seen his face. She describes the monster's tears and his love, and confesses her horror and pity. The Plan to Escape Christine agrees to flee with Raoul after the next performance of Faust. She gives him the key to the underground passage. But she loses the gold ring Erik gave her, a token of his protection. They both fear that this loss will bring disaster. Raoul prepares a carriage and horses for their flight.

Descent into the Cellars

Descent into the Cellars The Persian's Offer After Christine's onstage disappearance, Raoul is desperate. He is about to chase after his brother's carriage when the Persian stops him. The Persian reveals that he knows Erik's secrets and offers to guide Raoul to the house on the lake. Raoul agrees, and they arm themselves with pistols. Through the Secret Passage The Persian leads Raoul through the labyrinthine cellars. They avoid the police, firemen, and door-shutters. They encounter the rat-catcher with his head of fire and a legion of rats. They finally reach the third cellar, where they find the hidden entrance to Erik's domain. Entering the Torture Chamber They drop through a stone opening into a room lined with mirrors—the torture chamber. The stone closes behind them, trapping them. They hear Erik and Christine in the next room. Erik gives Christine an ultimatum: marry him or die with everyone. Raoul and the Persian are now prisoners in the deadly mirror room.

childhood, briefly revived at the gala

after the gala, during the weeks before the abduction

the night of the abduction