Figaro

 

The betrayal of Susan  

    Figaro is the protagonist of the play. He is a young man engaged to be married to Susan, a woman whom he loves very much. He has a checkered history in that he does not know his family or his parents, and is often getting into trouble, but he always seems to come out on top. He is the count's majordomo and valet, and the two have a long relationship; Figaro was key in enabling the count to marry Rosina. Figaro seems to have a special aptitude for coming up with plans that are often complicated and convoluted and usually involve pulling the wool over the eyes of the count.

Figaro is a good-hearted and decent man, but he experiences his share of unchecked emotions as well. When he believes that Susan is having an affair with the Count, he becomes melancholic and angry, going on a long tirade against the aristocracy and ruling classes. In his soliloquy, he observes that the count is ordinary but elevated because of his title, whereas Figaro is anything but ordinary in his character but lives in obscurity because of his lack of rank or status. In the YouTube that was posted on the site (25 min) you can see the interactions with Susan and her mistress. 

                            An introduction to The Marriage of Figaro (The Royal Opera) - YouTube

  The final act of The Marriage of Figaro opens in the garden where Barbarina tells Figaro and Marcellina that Susanna and the count are planning to meet. Figaro, thinking that Susanna is being unfaithful to him, feels ire toward all women. He leaves just before the arrival of Susanna and the countess. When Susanna is by herself, she sings a love song. A sequestered Figaro thinks she is addressing this to the count. Meanwhile, Susanna is able to hide herself in time to see Cherubino proclaim his love for the countess as the count chases him away so that he can be alone with Susanna. Figaro figures out what is going on and, in fun, makes advances toward Susanna while she is disguised as the countess. The count returns to the scene and finds Figaro with—he thinks—his wife, the countess. The count calls everyone to the spot and is ready to show his wrath. The actual countess reveals her true identity and when the truth is known to him, the count begs her forgiveness. The couples are reunited, and the day of madness concludes.

Marriage Of Figaro Summary