While reading the opera version of the “Barber of Seville” I noticed that basically the plot of the play has remained the same from Beaumarchais’ original play. In both, the count is fighting for Rosine’s and is trying to gain her love using costumes and with the help of Figaro. Bartholo plans to carry out his marriage with Rosine, but in the end the count will win the fight for her love. However, there were some differences in the characters and the style of the opera as well. Obviously, as an opera, one difference is that the scenes are carried out in song as opposed to the characters reciting each of their lines. Also, there are a few differences between the play and the opera in terms of how the scenes for directed. For instance, in the play the Count bribes the notary to persuade him to sign the marriage document. However, in the opera the Count threatens him with a gun. In my eyes, this adds to the drama of the opera and makes it more intriguing.
The importance of Figaro’s character is a major difference between the opera and the play. In the opera Figaro had a larger role and seemed to be the single main character of the play. however, in the play itself you get a sense that Figaro is a supporting character and that the main focus of the play is on the count rather than himself. The audience can see the significance of Figaro’s character and how much he means to the play. In the opera Figaro sings more than in the play and is more animated.