ACT I: A courtyard, shortly before dawn
Count Almaviva arrives with a hired band of musicians to serenade Rosina, the ward of Dr. Bartolo, from beneath her balcony, hoping got have a glimpse of her and to talk privately. This is very difficult, for Bartolo guards her very carefully, intending to marry her himself and thus collect her inheritance. After an unsuccessful attempt to draw her outside, he is interrupted by Figaro, the village barber and factotum, who is on his way to his shop and his seemingly endless duties. The two are old friends, and Figaro is quickly enlisted, with the promise of generous payment, to help the Count in his attempts to secure Rosina’s affections. The Count is posing as the poor student Lindoro to ensure that Rosina will love him for himself, not for his wealth and high born station. The two make hasty and elaborate plans to gain entrance to the house using various disguises, and how to thwart Bartolo’s own matrimonial agenda.

ACT II: The interior of Dr. Bartolo’s home, later that same morning
Rosina has heard the serenade offered up to her earlier and vows that she will belong to her “Lindoro.” Figaro arrives and tries to convey the Count’s intentions, but they are both interrupted by the entrance of Bartolo and then Basilio, the elderly doctor’s old friend, singing master, and all around town gossip. The two debate plans on how to best deal with the news that Count Almaviva has arrived in Seville. Basilio suggests slander and subterfuge, but Bartolo decides to draw up his marriage contract that very day. When they retire to the study, Figaro, who has overheard their conversation, tells Rosina about her guardian’s plans, and “Lindoro’s” devotion to her. The two are now allies and co-conspirators. Later, when Bartolo accuses Rosina of having sent secret letters out of the house, she manages to parry every accusation, but Bartolo is unconvinced and more suspicious than ever. A drunken soldier arrives, presenting billeting orders for Bartolo’s house. He is, of course, the Count in disguise, and the ruckus that ensues attracts first Figaro, and then the entire police force who have been summoned to quiet the disturbance. When the officer tries to arrest the Count, Almaviva reveals his identity to him and the officer immediately salutes. Everyone is dumbfounded, and the act concludes with and ensemble of total confusion.

ACT III: Later that same day, and that evening
Unsuccessful in his first attempt to see Rosina privately, the Count arrives at the house once more, this time dressed as a clerical music–master, and claims to be a substitute for Basilio who is ill. After much double talk, he is allowed to give Rosina her singing lesson, which provides an opportunity for the two lovers to make plans for their elopement. All is nearly lost when the supposedly ailing Basilio arrives, seeming in perfect health. With many twists of logic, Basilio is convinced that he is “ill,” is given a generous bribe by the Count, and departs. Figaro tries to distract Bartolo by giving him a shave, and also manages to steal the keys to Rosina’s balcony from the doctor’s key ring. But soon the two lovebirds are betrayed by a remark overheard by the doctor. He chases the two men from the house and orders Rosina to her room.

Again, with Basilio’s help, the doctor has a plan to dishonor Rosina’s young suitor. He produces Rosina’s original letter, and convinces her that “Lindoro” is merely toying with her affections to win her for his master, Count Almaviva. Rosina, unaware that these two names belong to the same person, is devastated, and in her grief promises to marry Bartolo. After a violent thunderstorm, Figaro and the Count enter via the balcony to find a very uncooperative Rosina, who has come only to heap her contempt upon her young suitor. When everything is explained, all are ecstatic and plan to leave the way they came, but the ladder to the balcony has been removed. Basilio arrives with a notary; Figaro and the Count, by various means and artillery, convince them to go through with the wedding contract. By the time Bartolo arrives, he is too late to stop the marriage, but is soothed by the knowledge that he may keep Rosina’s dowry. All have achieved their various goals, and the curtain falls on a happy company.