A cigarette factory girl, Carmen, admired by men of the town, takes an interest in Don José, who is indifferent to her, and seeks to win his attention by tossing him a rose. Although he loves Micaëla, he soon becomes captivated by Carmen and is persuaded to desert the Army and throw in his lot with smugglers. But Carmen becomes disillusioned with José and gives her heart to the toreador Escamillo. In front of the bullring, from which loud cheering can be heard, José, consumed by jealous rage, stabs Carmen in the heart.