In "The Marriage of Figaro," three years have passed since Figaro, the resourceful barber, assisted Count Almaviva in eloping with Rosine. Now, the Count's affections have waned, and he sets his sights on Suzanne, Rosine's maid and Figaro's fiancée. Figaro is determined to thwart the Count's schemes to pursue Suzanne.

The Count's Devious Scheme

Suzanne reveals to Figaro that the Count intends to send him on a diplomatic mission to England. This would allow the Count to court Suzanne without interference. Figaro, however, is resolute in his intention to prevent such a plan from unfolding.

Figaro's Financial Woes

Complicating matters, Figaro faces another challenge from Marceline, the Count's housekeeper. Marceline holds a promissory note for money lent to Figaro, which he must repay or marry her instead. Despite their age difference, Marceline is eager to wed, and Dr. Bartholo assists her as a way to seek revenge against Figaro for past grievances.

Chérubin's Misadventures

Meanwhile, the Count's young page, Chérubin, is smitten with women—particularly the Countess. Upon discovering Chérubin's infatuation, the Count orders him to join his regiment. However, Figaro devises a clever plan to disguise Chérubin in Suzanne's clothing to catch the Count in a compromising situation, hoping to deter him from his pursuit of Suzanne.

The Anonymous Letter

In addition to this scheme, Figaro anonymously informs the Count of a suspected lover in the Countess's chambers. When the Count investigates, expecting to catch the lover, he finds only Suzanne. Chérubin narrowly escapes detection by leaping out of a window. Figaro revels in the Count's embarrassment and his subsequent pleading for the Countess's forgiveness.

A New Plot Unfolds

Despite Figaro's thwarted attempt to send Chérubin to meet the Count, the Countess and Suzanne collaborate on a new plan. The Count has conditioned Suzanne's marriage to Figaro on a secret meeting with him in the pavilion that night. The two women set out to turn the tables on the Count.

The Courtroom Drama

Marceline brings her claim against Figaro to court, where the Count presides to obstruct Figaro's marriage. He rules that Figaro must either repay the debt to Marceline or marry her. However, the revelation that Figaro is Marceline’s long-lost son by Bartholo changes everything. Marceline attributes her desire to marry Figaro to their newfound familial bond.

Unexpected Revelations

Marceline and Bartholo decide to marry, although Bartholo is discontented that Figaro, his nemesis, is actually his son. During the ensuing celebrations for Suzanne and Figaro's wedding, Suzanne discreetly hands the Count a note to confirm their mock rendezvous. Figaro, misinterpreting the exchange, is heartbroken.

The Garden Deception

On the night of the planned meeting, Suzanne and the Countess swap outfits to trap the Count. Figaro, unaware of this scheme, conceals himself to witness what he believes is Suzanne’s betrayal. Bartholo and Marceline accompany him while he laments his turbulent fate and ponders society's injustices.

The Countess's Disguise

In disguise as Suzanne, the Countess entertains the Count’s advances, accepting tokens of his affection. The Count extols "Suzanne" over his wife, unaware of the ruse. Figaro, observing, approaches the disguised Countess and pleads for her favor. Recognizing Suzanne’s voice, he plays along, feigning affection for "the Countess." Suzanne's slap reveals her loyalty, delighting Figaro.

Resolution and Celebration

Chaos ensues as the Count's folly comes to light, with Figaro's deceitful appearance and the masquerade unveiled. The Countess forgives her husband, and the Count grants permission for Figaro and Suzanne's marriage, as well as Marceline and Bartholo's, and Chérubin's union with the gardener's daughter. Both Suzanne and Figaro receive a generous dowry from the Count and Countess, solidifying Figaro's place as the son-in-law and heir. As joyful celebrations conclude, the narrative underscores the triumph of wit and intelligence in balancing societal inequities.