In the novel by Gaston Leroux, Phantom of the Opera?

Question

How well are we told that Madame Giry knew the Phantom? Did she know him as a friend? Did she ONLY know OF him? Or did they ever have a romantic relationship? Thanks:) xxxx

P.S. Sorry about all the questions about Madame Giry, I'm writing a summary of her character.

Answer 1

As you may recall, in Leroux's novel Madame Giry is not the instructor of the corps de ballet, but merely a box-attendant, specifically, of Box Five, the Opera Ghost's box. She provides some welcome comedy relief in the novel.

Madame Giry's daughter, Meg, is a member of the chorus, and not a particularly good one.

Madame Giry feels very honored to be the Opera Ghost's box attendant, though she doesn't feel at all like a confidant or friend. She has never seen his face, never conversed with him, has only been aware of him when he attends the opera in his box, but is happy to deliver his blackmailing letters to the managers when they are left in the box, and respect his wishes.

The Opera Ghost has occasionally left chocolates, or a program for her after a performance, and has predicted to her (invisibly, but audibly) that Meg will be an empress(!), which delights the simple Madame no end.

There is no question of a romantic relationship between the two, only that of a phantom gentleman with a thrilling voice and an aging working-class attendant with wishes for her daughter.

Answer 2

I'd say that she considered herself to be his friend, as she knows more about him than most a the opera. However, they are not extremely close, as she never sees his face or knows him by name. They do not have a romantic relationship, as I think she tells the new owners that the phantom is often accompanied by a "lady friend", suggesting he has romantic attatchments to other women.  

Answer 3

I would say that she thought of him as a friend.

He trusts her, and only her, to deliver things to his box.

She also tells the managers how kind the Phantom is to her. He leave her money and is just nice to her.

I deffinatley don't think that there was any romance between the two of them. She, like everyone else, was in awe of his beautiful voice and his charmingness.

She also really liked him because he told her that one day her daughter, Meg Giry, would be an empress. That made her so proud and happy.