In 19th century Seville, the lusty, tempestuous Carmen seduces a naive Army corporal, Don Jose. Jose abandons his career, his fiancee and even his dying mother for the love of this sultry gypsy. But soon she spurns him for the love of a toreador, Escamillo. Crazed with jealousy, Jose begs Carmen to reutrn to him, but her taunting declaration of independence results in tragedy.