- Love and romance: Many zarzuelas feature romantic relationships between characters from different social classes or backgrounds, with obstacles that keep them apart. These obstacles may include parental opposition, social conventions, or rival suitors.
- Honor and duty: Characters in zarzuelas often face conflicts between their personal desires and their sense of honor or duty. This may involve choosing between love and duty, loyalty to family or country, or upholding a code of conduct.
- Social satire: Zarzuelas often use humor to critique social conventions, political corruption, or other aspects of Spanish society. This satire may be subtle or overt, and it can range from lighthearted fun to sharp criticism.
- Historical events: Some zarzuelas are based on real historical events or figures, while others use history as a backdrop for fictional stories. These zarzuelas may depict famous battles, political intrigue, or social changes that occurred in Spanish history.
- Music and dance: Zarzuelas are known for their beautiful music, which often features both traditional Spanish melodies and more modern influences. The music is typically accompanied by dance, and the combination of music, dance, and drama creates a vibrant and entertaining spectacle.
Overall, zarzuela plots offer a diverse mix of themes, stories, and characters, providing audiences with a rich and engaging theatrical experience.