The story is set in Seville in the late 18th century. Count Almaviva is in love with Rosina, the ward of Dr. Bartolo. Bartolo plans to marry Rosina himself, and he keeps her locked up in his house. Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, a barber who knows everyone in Seville, to help him win Rosina's heart.
Figaro comes up with a plan to get Almaviva into Bartolo's house. He disguises Almaviva as a drunken soldier, and then has him arrested and taken to Bartolo's house. While Bartolo is dealing with the "soldier," Almaviva slips into Rosina's room and declares his love for her.
Rosina is delighted to see Almaviva, and she agrees to help him escape from Bartolo's house. Figaro comes up with another plan, and this time he disguises Almaviva as a music teacher. Almaviva is able to give Rosina a singing lesson, and then he escapes with her.
Bartolo is furious when he realizes that Rosina has escaped, and he goes to the police to report her. Almaviva and Rosina are already married by this time, however, and Bartolo is forced to accept their marriage.
The Barber of Seville is a delightful comedy of errors, with plenty of laughs and twists and turns. The opera is full of beautiful music, and it is a popular choice for opera companies around the world.