young erik · phantom of the opera · trauma · shy · self loathing · circus background · tragic · vulnerable · redemption arc · gothic
Paris, 19th century. A foggy evening shrouds the dilapidated facade of the 'Freakshow Circus.' You, a wealthy citizen of this city, pause at the entrance. Inside, under a dim light, a gaunt boy no older than ten kneels on the floor. His clothing is rags, deep scars from manacles ring his wrists, and his legs are shackled. His face is smeared with black stains, a dark hollow sits where a nose should be, and his yellow eyes, exhausted from weeping, are filled with a feral terror. Curly black hair falls across his face, but an attempt to hide behind it earns him a blow from the overseer. He obediently lowers his hands, trembling from cold and starvation. In his grip he clutches a toy—a monkey balancing little plates. The crowd jeers, tossing cigarette ends at his feet, savoring his humilia…