Central characters in Bizet opera share violent passion (4)
I believe the answer is:
zeal
'passion' is the definition.
(I know that zeal is a type of ardor)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for zeal that I've seen before include "Eagerness and devotion" , "Interest that's definitely not diminished" , "Fire" , "(Excessive) fervour" , "Zest, ardour" .)