Dom Claude in the 1923 version of Hunchback represents the religious aspect of Frollo’s character. He is also the brother of the evil Jehan though they don’t interact much. In fact if it wasn’t for a few text cards you wouldn’t really even know. In the 1939 version the brothers actually had scenes together.
Basically this guy is a saint. He’s kind and sticks up for the little guys i.e. Quasimodo and Esmeralda. In fact despite Quasimodo being Jehan’s “Slave” Quasimodo spends more screen time with Dom Claude and generally seems to like Claude better.
He is also well respected. This is proven by Clopin’s interaction with him where Clopin seem to back down to him.
Basically his ONLY function in this film is to give plot exposition because after it has to go somewhere.
Next Time; Sister Gudule or “Godule” as she is credited