Baron Scarpia is a fictional character from the opera Tosca, composed by Giacomo Puccini. He serves as the chief of police in Rome during the Napoleonic Wars and is known for his ruthless and manipulative nature. Scarpia is driven by his desire for power and control, particularly over the opera's protagonist, Floria Tosca. In the story, Scarpia uses his authority to pursue Tosca and her lover, Mario Cavaradossi, leading to a dramatic conflict. His character embodies themes of tyranny and obsession, making him one of the opera's most memorable villains.