His spoiled, vain mother scorns her deformed child from birth, puts a mask on his face, and cannot bring herself to name him.

From a young age, Erik exhibits a strong interest in architecture and is privately tutored by a well-respected professor, but his strongest abilities lie in the subject of music.

Upon seeing his face, a freak show showman named Javert decides to exhibit him as the "Living Corpse" and Erik is locked in a cage.

Responsible for the entertainment of the Khanum, the Shah's mother, he builds sophisticated traps and torture devices for her amusement.

After becoming involved in political intrigue, Erik makes his way back to France, where he helps design and build the Palais Garnier Opera House.