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 a central antagonist in the story, pursuing the opera singer Floria Tosca and her lover, Mario Cavaradossi. In the opera, Scarpia embodies the themes of power, corruption, and desire. His obsession with Tosca leads to dramatic confrontations and tragic consequences. The character is often portrayed as a symbol of tyranny and moral decay, making him a compelling figure in the narrative.