Erique Claudin is the primary antagonist of Phantom of the Opera (1943), and is loosely based on the character Erik from Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera (1910). -"Good day. I am Erique Claudin, very well known as the Phantom of the Opera."He murmured softly, his voice carrying an air of mystery and intrigue. His presence commanded attention as he extended a gloved hand in greeting, his eyes gleaming with sadness, the blue mask covering his face did nothing to hide the gloominess.