Erik Muhlheim

Erik Muhlheim, also known as the Phantom, is the biological father of Pierre though he is not aware he has a son until Pierre is 12. With this knowledge, Erik writes an opera of his own creation in order to lure Christine, Pierre’s mother, to come and sing the leading female role. Even though he doubts that Christine will agree to stay with him in America, Erik hopes that she will leave Pierre there. In the closing scene, Pierre does decide to stay in America with Erik after his mother has told him as she was dying that Erik was his biological father. Pierre removes Erik’s hat and mask, and accepts him despite his deformities. Pierre’s love changes Erik and he begins to use his fortune to help correct deformities and fund charitable organizations.

Erik was born into a circus family but then sold to...