The rest of the book loosely follows the original novel "The Phantom of the Opera" – differing on several points but following the relationship between Erik and the object of his desire, Christine Daaé, and switching back and forth between their points of view. The relationship between Christine and Erik is explored in greater detail and with greater compassion than the original novel, allowing Erik to finally find love and redemption in a world that has shown him nothing but cruelty since birth.