The Library
of Alexandria

A character in The Phantom of the Opera

Who is Carlotta?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23 Oct 2026

In short

  • Carlotta is the leading soprano at the Paris Opera House in The Phantom of the Opera.
  • She is proud of her position and sees the rising Christine Daaé as a rival.
  • Her place at the center of the stage becomes entangled with the Opera Ghost's warnings.

Who Carlotta is

In Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera, Carlotta is a singer who feels sure of her place. As the Opera's leading soprano, she sings the lead role before its audiences. But the theater's mysterious presence reaches into performances, sending letters that complain about singers and casting.

Carlotta and the others in the story

Christine Daaé becomes Carlotta's rival when her singing attracts attention that the managers have not expected. When Carlotta is suddenly unable to sing at a gala, Christine takes her place and astonishes the audience. During another performance, Carlotta makes a horrible sound in the middle of a phrase, and the audience gasps.

Questions

Who is Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera?

Carlotta is the Paris Opera's leading soprano, proud and confident of her standing.

How is Carlotta connected to Christine Daaé?

Carlotta sees Christine as a rival as the younger singer rises to notice.

Does Christine sing in Carlotta's place?

Yes, Christine steps in at a gala when Carlotta cannot sing, surprising the house with her voice.

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