FIGARO, a famous dramatic character first introduced on the stage by Beaumarchais in the Barbier de Seville, the Mariage de Figaro and the Folle Journee. Figaro soon seized the popular imagination and became the recognized representative of daring, clever and nonchalant roguery and intrigue. Mozart chose the Marriage of Figaro as the subject of an opera, and the Barber of Seville was treated first by Paisiello and afterwards in 1816 by Rossini. In 1826 the name of the witty rogue was taken by a journal which continued till 1833 to be one of the principal Parisian periodicals. Various attempts were made to restore the Figaro during the next 20 years; and in 1854 the efforts of M. de Villemessant were crowned with success. (See NEWSPAPERS.) See H. de Villemessant, Memoires d'un journaliste (1867) ; Marc Monnier, Les Aieux de Figaro (1868) .