Preparing for their wedding, the valet Figaro learns from the maid Susanna that their philandering employer, Count Almaviva, has designs on her. In her boudoir, the Countess laments her husband's waning love but plots to chasten him, encouraged by Figaro and Susanna. Susanna leads the Count on with promises of a rendezvous in the garden. Alone later that day, Susanna rhapsodizes on her love for Figaro, but he, overhearing, thinks she means the Count....