Prosper Merimee's story of a Spanish gypsy girl working in a cigar factory, and the rivalry for her affections among several men,including a soldier who helps her escape from jail and a famed bullfighter who at first finds her obnoxious.

Carmen, a gypsy, working in a Spanish cigar factory, is flaunted by Escamillo, the bullfighter, but infatuates José, a soldier, who aids her to escape from jail and follows her to the gypsy camp. Tiring of his love, Carmen finally fascinates Escamillo and the love-crazed José kills her at a bull fight just as Escamillo is being proclaimed by the audience.