The scene of the opera is laid in Switzerland, period the thirteenth century, and the action closely follows the historical narrative.  The disaffection which has arisen among the Swiss, owing to the tyranny of Gessler, suddenly comes to a climax when one of Gessler’s followers attempts an outrage upon the only daughter of the herdsman Leutold, and meets his death at the hands of the indignant father.  Leutold seeks protection at the hands of Tell, who, in the face of the herdsman’s pursuers, succeeds in placing him beyond the reach of danger, and this circumstance arouses the wrath of Gessler.  Melchtal, the village patriarch, is accused by him of inciting the people to insubordination, and is put to death.  Meanwhile Arnold, his son, is enamoured of Mathilde, Gessler’s daughter, and hesitates between love and duty when he is called upon to avenge his father’s death.  At last duty prevails, and he joins his comrades when the men of the three cantons, who are loyal to Tell, meet and swear death to the tyrant.  In the last act occurs the famous archery scene.  To discover the leading offenders Gessler erects a pole in the square of Altorf, upon which he places his hat and commands the people to do homage to it.  Tell refuses, and as a punishment is ordered to shoot an apple from his son’s head.  He successfully accomplishes the feat, but as he is about to retire Gessler observes a second arrow concealed in his garments, and inquires the reason for it, when Tell boldly replies it was intended for him in case the first had killed his son.  Gessler throws him into prison, whereupon Mathilde abandons her father and determines to help in the rescue of Tell and his son.  Her lover, Arnold, meanwhile, raises a band of brave followers and accomplishes the rescue himself.  After slaying the tyrant and freeing his country Tell returns to his family, and Arnold and Mathilde are united.

The overture to “William Tell,” with its Alpine repose, its great storm-picture, the stirring “Ranz des Vaches,” and the trumpet-call to freedom, is one of the most perfect and beautiful ever written, and is so familiar that it does not need analysis.  The first act opens with a delightfully fresh Alpine chorus ("E il ciel sereno"), which is followed by a pastoral quartet between a fisherman, Tell, Hedwig, and Jemmy.  Arnold enters, and a long duet, one of Rossini’s finest inspirations, follows between Arnold and Tell.  The duet is interrupted by the entrance of several of the peasants escorting two brides and bridegrooms, which is the signal for a most graceful chorus and dance ("Cinto il crine").  Leutold then appears, seeking Tell’s protection, and a very dramatic finale begins, closing with the arrest of Melchtal, which leads to an ensemble of great power.