I've read the book and seen the musical... ok, Raoul is DEFINITELY the better choice!!! If I could, I would send this essay to every computer in the world so everyone could read this... it's perfect! Every single word you said, I completely agree with! Now, Raoul/Christine is definitely my fav. pairing, and Raoul's my fav. character, but I love the Phantom too, I just don't think him and Christine should've ended up together, that's all. Yes, there was a lot of passion between them, but that's about it. With Raoul/Christine, it's true love. Your essay should be written into a book with only facts in it, because what you wrote shouldn't be opinion, it's facts! lol Raoul was the best choice, and thanks for writing this essay! I'll probably re-read it everyday. ;D Raoul/Christine forever! (But the Phantom's still cool! Ya see? I'm like you, that likes both Raoul and the Phantom, but we both think Raoul and Christine make a way better couple).