The Rat-Catcher and Other Cellar Dwellers

The subplot of the strange inhabitants of the Opera's cellars, including the rat-catcher and the door-shutters.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Rat-Catcher's Fiery Head

The Rat-Catcher's Fiery Head The Encounter While descending into the cellars, the Persian and Raoul encounter a head of fire floating in the darkness. It is the rat-catcher, who uses a dark lantern lit on his own face to scare the rats. He leads a swarm of rats that scratch at the intruders' legs. The Rat-Catcher's Role The rat-catcher is a regular employee of the Opera, but his appearance is terrifying. He warns the men not to follow him. The Persian notes that Erik never comes to this part of the cellars. The Relief After the rat-catcher passes, the Persian and Raoul are relieved. They continue their journey, but the encounter highlights the bizarre and dangerous environment beneath the Opera.

The Door-Shutters

The Door-Shutters The Old Men of the Opera The door-shutters are elderly stagehands who spend their nights closing doors all over the Opera. They are a remnant of a bygone era. The commissary's investigation summons them, causing them to appear in the cellars, nearly revealing the Persian and Raoul. The Witnesses These old men have seen much but say little. They are part of the Opera's hidden world, indifferent to the ghost. Their presence adds to the labyrinthine atmosphere. The Escape The Persian and Raoul manage to avoid the door-shutters by hiding behind a set piece. The shambling old men pass by, unaware of the drama unfolding below.

during the Persian and Raoul's descent

during the search for Christine