Figaro is the protagonist of The Marriage of Figaro, with the play serving as a continuation of the character who first appeared in The Barber of Seville. In Beaumarchais’s first play, Figaro helped Count Almaviva win the heart of the young Rosine, who appears in The Marriage of Figaro as the Countess. Figaro formed a successful bond with the Count, one which he hoped would lead to wealth and status. As demonstrated in the first scene of The Marriage of Figaro, however, Figaro was very much mistaken. 

The Count has offered to host Figaro’s wedding to Suzanne and has even offered them a room near to his own, so that Suzanne—as the Countess’s maid—will always be nearby. Figaro believed this to be gratitude, but, as Suzanne reveals, the Count is actually planning to take Suzanne as a mistress. From the first play to the second, what changes is the presence of Suzanne and how Suzanne’s presence alters Figaro’s relationship with the Count. When he was helping the Count seduce a young woman, Figaro was showered with praise and rewards. When Figaro is the husband-to-be of the woman the Count intends to have sex with, that friendship and closeness are quickly forgotten.