Raoul de Chagny is the main character of Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera. He is a Vicomte (a French nobleman) and Christine Daaé's childhood friend. He acts as a foil and contrast to the Phantom.

 

Raoul de Chagny came from a wealthy family, raised by his older brother Philippe. When he was a young boy, he met the Daae family, and became friends with the young girl Christine. Years later, he met her as a young woman and went to proclaim his love for her. However, she denied that she knew him and sent him away. He was heartbroken, until he heard a man's voice on the other side of the door. Now, he was determined to solve the mystery of what was going on with Christine.