Act I:

Mid-19th Century, Paris. A big party is being held in the house of Violetta Valey, a courtesan well-known in the Parisian fashionable circles. The seeming gaiety is what she uses to stifle the anguish that torments her, since she knows that her health is gravely undermined by consumption.

 

A nobleman, Gastone, introduces to her his friend Alfredo, who has been her secret admirer for some time. The interest Violetta shows for the new acquaintance does not escape the attention of Douphol, her current lover. While Violetta and Alfredo dance, he declares his love for her. Violetta gives him a flower, a camellia, promising that she will see him again when it has withered. When the party is over and alone by herself, Violetta has to admit that for the first time, she has truly fallen in love.

 

Act II:

Alfredo and Violetta have left the city and are living happily together in a villa in the country. But when he learns from the maid, Annina, that Violetta is selling her jewels because they have no more money, he goes to Paris in a hurry to obtain funds. Violetta's friend, Flora, invites her to a party, but she does not want to go and prefers to stay home.

 

An unexpected visitor arrives - it is Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont. He accuses her of dragging his son into misery, but Violetta denies this, showing him that it is she who is selling her jewels to support their living, and assures him that she has never asked Alfredo for anything. Germont seems convinced, but remains firm in his intent to separate Alfredo and Violetta. Their relationship is considered scandalous and as long as it continues, his daughter cannot be married. Violetta must choose, and does what she believes to be the best for her beloved.

 

Violetta decides to leave Alfredo. He is distraught, and his heart is filled with jealousy. Violetta goes to parties once more, accompanied by Douphol. The two men meet and much piqued, Douphol challenges Alfredo to a duel. Violetta implores Alfredo to leave, but he refuses, saying he will go only if she leaves with him.

 

She declares that she has sworn not to see him, and lets him think this oath was made to Douphol, in order that she would not have to tell him of his father’s visit and his concern about Alfredo's sister. Alfredo is indignant and treats her like a prostitute. Germont arrives and rebukes him for his behaviour, but does not tell him the whole truth.

 

Act III:

Violetta's health deteriorates quickly. She is confined to her bed and is too weak to rise. A letter from Germont arrives: he has finally decided to explain everything to his son, who is on his way to see her.

 

Violetta happily waits for her lover, but time is running out for her. She fears that she is unable to wait until he arrives. At last there he is, by her side. His father has also come, filled with remorse for the harm he has done. Seized by consumption, Violetta breathes her last before their very eyes. Their sadness is softened only by the purity of heart.