Carlotta's Downfall

The Phantom of the Opera

The character destiny of the prima donna, whose arrogance leads to her public humiliation and career ruin.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Diva's PrideThe Diva's Pride
The Diva's Pride The Queen of the Opera Carlotta is the reigning prima donna of the Paris Opera. She is famous for her voice and her temperament. She looks down on Christine Daae as a mere understudy. The Jealousy When Christine triumphs at the gala, Carlotta is furious. She uses her influence to keep Christine from getting leading roles. She is confident in her own power and scoffs at the ghost's threats. The Ignored Warnings Carlotta receives anonymous letters warning her not to sing. She dismisses them as the work of Christine's supporters. She prepares to sing Margarita, determined to show her superiority.
The Public HumiliationThe Public Humiliation
The Public Humiliation The Croak As Carlotta sings the Jewel Song, her voice suddenly emits a croak like a toad. The audience is stunned. She tries to continue, but the croak returns. She is forced to stop. The Aftermath Carlotta is devastated. The ghost's curse has destroyed her voice. She cancels her contract and leaves Paris. The incident is the talk of the town. Her career is over. The Final Appearance Carlotta later returns to the Opera, but only as a spectator. She watches Christine perform. Her downfall is complete. She is a tragic figure, brought low by her own pride and the ghost's power.
before the gala
during the performance of Faust