In Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera, the Phantom, also known as Erik, is described as having a severe disfigurement. His face is likened to a skull, with sunken eyes and a nose that is almost nonexistent. The skin on his face is stretched tightly over his bones, giving him a deathly appearance. Additionally, his mouth is described as having a thin, almost lipless line, which adds to his grotesque look.
Erik’s disfigurement is not just physical but also symbolic of his inner torment and isolation. His appearance causes him to be shunned by society, leading him to live in the shadows of the Paris Opera House. This disfigurement plays a crucial role in the story, as it drives much of the Phantom’s actions and his desire for love and acceptance, particularly from Christine Daaé.