<P> The opera is written in the genre of opéra comique with musical numbers separated by dialogue . It is set in southern Spain and tells the story of the downfall of Don José , a naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery gypsy Carmen . José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties , yet loses Carmen 's love to the glamorous matador Escamillo , after which José kills her in a jealous rage . The depictions of proletarian life , immorality , and lawlessness , and the tragic death of the main character on stage , broke new ground in French opera and were highly controversial . </P>
<P> The opera is written in the genre of opéra comique with musical numbers separated by dialogue . It is set in southern Spain and tells the story of the downfall of Don José , a naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery gypsy Carmen . José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties , yet loses Carmen 's love to the glamorous matador Escamillo , after which José kills her in a jealous rage . The depictions of proletarian life , immorality , and lawlessness , and the tragic death of the main character on stage , broke new ground in French opera and were highly controversial . </P>
the main character of bizet 's carmen is a
the main character of bizet 's carmen is a
Don José
Don José