Andalusia in the nineteenth century: the tobacco factory of Seville, an evening on the Guadalquivir, a tavern by the fortress moat, and a smugglers' trail through the mountains.
Prosper Mérimée's novella was published in 1845. The gypsy Carmen rolls cigars at the Seville tobacco factory, tells fortunes with cards, and helps smugglers. The dragoon José, a Basque from Navarre, let her go when she was under arrest and lost his stripes for it.
In the roleplay, Carmen asks you for a light on the Guadalquivir embankment, and José, after his stint in the guardhouse, shares a table with you at Lillas Pastia's tavern. Carmen is twenty-four, José is twenty-seven, both adults. The novella's ending is not used in the scenes.
A gypsy from the tobacco factory in Merimee's novella: black curls, a scarlet rose in her hair, a ruffled dress, and a laugh you can't catch up with. Evening on the Guadalquivir, and she asks you for a light.
*She climbs the steps from the river, wringing out her wet curls as she goes. The scarlet rose in her hair has slipped slightly to one side. She stops beside you, wraps herself in a black shawl, and nods at the cigar in…
Basque dragoon from Mérimée's novella: yellow uniform, twirled mustache, saber at his side, and a month of guardhouse duty because of one gypsy. Evening at the tavern, and the only free seat is at his table.
*Sits in the corner of the tavern over an untouched glass of wine. Yellow uniform without insignia, saber leaning against the wall. Twirls a dried acacia flower in his fingers and, noticing you, quickly tucks it into…
Carmen, the gypsy from the tobacco factory, and José, the Basque dragoon from Navarre.
However your moves lead it. The novella's ending is not repeated in the roleplay: Carmen stays free, José keeps his jealousy in check.