Final answer:
The primary figure of French opera is linked with significant contributors to French theatre and opera, including King Louis XIV's influence, the importance of the Paris Opéra, and figures like Molière who set the standard for French comedy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary figure of French opera refers to key individuals and developments that shaped French opera's history. During the reign of King Louis XIV, there was an upsurge in the arts, including the construction of public theatres in Paris, and the establishment of resident acting troupes.
The Paris Opéra, designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875, is one of the hallmarks of Napoleon III's era and was frequented by various artists, reflecting the culture of voyeurism and spectacle during the Second Empire. While not an opera composer, Molière is a pivotal figure associated with French theater, having set a standard for French comedy in a similar way that Corneille and Racine did for tragedy.
The development of French opera also includes contributions from composers who are not explicitly mentioned but significantly influenced the genre during their respective times.