Figaro

Figaro is a character from the Pierre Beaumarchais trilogy of plays, which includes The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro, and The Guilty Mother. Figaro is a clever and resourceful valet who often finds himself in the midst of various intrigues and schemes.

Character Overview

Figaro is a central figure in Beaumarchais' plays, known for his wit, intelligence, and ability to navigate complex social situations. He is a servant who often outsmarts his aristocratic employers, embodying the themes of social mobility and the questioning of traditional hierarchies.

Appearances in Beaumarchais' Plays

The Barber of Seville

In The Barber of Seville, Figaro is introduced as a barber and jack-of-all-trades who helps Count Almaviva win the love of Rosina, who is kept under the watchful eye of her guardian, Doctor Bartolo.

The Marriage of Figaro

The Marriage of Figaro continues the story, with Figaro now in the service of Count Almaviva. The play revolves around Figaro's efforts to marry Suzanne, while thwarting the Count's attempts to seduce her.

The Guilty Mother

In The Guilty Mother, Figaro's role is less central, but he remains a key character, helping to resolve the complex situations that arise within the Almaviva household.

Cultural Impact

Figaro has become an iconic character in Western literature and opera. The plays have been adapted into numerous operas, most notably by Gioachino Rossini and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Rossini's The Barber of Seville and Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro are among the most frequently performed operas worldwide.

Related Pages

• Pierre Beaumarchais
• The Barber of Seville
• The Marriage of Figaro
• The Guilty Mother
• Gioachino Rossini
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Opera