Act I

In anticipation of his pending marriage, Figaro is measuring his room, which the Count has provided, for a bed. Susanna hints to Figaro that the Count expects the jus primae noctis (a nobleman’s privilege to spend the wedding night with the bride of any of his servants) that he had only recently abolished. The two determine to prevent it. Marcellina enters, claiming that Figaro must repay an old debt or marry her as he had promised. Cherubino confides his love for the Countess to Susanna, but must hide when the Count arrives to press his affections on Susanna. They, in turn, are nearly discovered by Basilio. The Count angrily emerges from his hiding place when he overhears Basilio speaking of Cherubino’s interest in the Countess. And after Cherubino himself is discovered, he gets an unwelcome commission in the Count’s regiment.

Intermission

Act II

The Countess regrets her husband’s wandering affections. Susanna and Figaro plot with her to rouse the Count’s jealousy. He is to learn about a rendezvous between his wife and another man. And Cherubino, disguised as Susanna, will accept the Count’s own advances.

While Susanna and the Countess discuss how best to disguise Cherubino, the Count arrives. So, Susanna and Cherubino must hide: she behind some furniture, and he in the closet. The Count is very suspicious and when the Countess refuses to let him in the closet, he leaves to find means to break in. This allows Cherubino to escape by jumping out the window, and Susanna is left in the closet to be discovered by the Count. The situation is again complicated when Antonio enters to report that a man just jumped out of the window into the garden. Figaro claims responsibility, but Antonio’s discovery of Cherubinos’ commission papers needs explanation. The Count becomes satisfied that Figaro brought them to obtain the proper seals. At this point Marcellina enters to demand her due from Figaro.

Intermission

Act III

The Count and Susanna meet. He becomes sure of her compliance with his desires and she of Figaro’s success in the trial. But, overhearing Susanna’s confidence, the Count decides in Marcellina’s favor. However, it is immediately revealed that Marcellina is in fact Figaro’s mother, and Bartolo is his father. Figaro and Susanna can be married at long last.

The Countess has Susanna write a note to the Count and decides to disguise herself for the evening’s encounter. Cherubino turns up again in the crowd of peasant girls paying their respects to the Countess prior to the wedding. During the festivities, Susanna delivers the note to the Count.

Pause

Act IV

Barbarina has lost the pin she is to return to Susanna, a confirmation from the Count of the evening’s meeting. Figaro hears her, believes the tryst to be in earnest, and determines to trap his new wife.

Marcellina marvels at Figaro’s reaction and defends both Susanna and the Countess. Everyone arrives in the garden for the intended tryst. In the confusion of deceits and recognitions, the Count begins trifling with Susanna (the Countess) and Figaro with the Countess (Susanna-a ruse he is aware of). Observing this last, the Count calls out to expose his wife’s faithlessness, but the trick is on him. The Countess forgives him, and the whole company rejoices.