Act I
The home of Violetta Valéry
After a long bout of illness, Violetta Valéry, a courtesan of Paris, is throwing a party. As her friends arrive, she is introduced to Alfredo Germont, who has been a silent admirer of Violetta, inquiring on her every day during her sickness. This irritates Baron Duphol, Violetta’s current lover, and he refuses to make a toast. The guests ask Alfredo to propose the toast. He sings to celebrate true love and beauty. Prompting her guests to dance, Violetta suddenly feels faint. She denies her struggle and encourages her guests out. Only Alfredo remains behind. He confesses his sincere desire to take care of her, his long admiration, and his love. Violetta laughs it off. There is no place for such feelings in her life. She can only offer her friendship in return and asks that he no longer speak of his love. Rebuked, he starts to leave, but, affected by him, Violetta offers him a camellia and asks that he return when it has faded. The guests depart. Alone, Violetta is torn - she cannot give up her life of pleasure, but she feels that Alfredo has awakened love and her desire to be truly loved.
ACT II
SCENE ONE
A country house
Violetta has chosen a life with Alfredo. For the past three months they have been enjoying their love in the country, far from society. Annina, Violetta’s maid, discloses to Alfredo that their life is only possible because Violetta has been selling her possessions to sustain their debts. Alfredo suddenly understands the sacrifices that Violetta has made in order to live with him and leaves for Paris, determined not to be shamed by her monetary support and to procure money. Violetta has received an invitation to a dance, but she no longer cares about such distractions. An unexpected visitor, Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father, arrives. He demands that she separate from his son forever. Their relationship threatens his daughter’s impending marriage as it would ruin any social standing Alfredo’s middle-class family has. Violetta’s resistance dwindles and she finally agrees to leave Alfredo forever. She asks that after her death he learn the truth about her sacrifice. She accepts the invitation to the dance and writes a goodbye letter to her lover as Alfredo returns. Concealing the letter from him, she tells him she will go away to meet his Father. As she goes, she confesses her love to him, one last time. Soon after he departs, a messenger delivers the letter. While Alfredo is reading the letter, his father appears to console him. Furious and jealous, Alfredo leaves to seek revenge for Violetta’s apparent betrayal.
SCENE TWO
FLORA'S BALL
News has spread of Violetta and Alfredo’s separation. Dancers of carnival entertain the guests. Alfredo arrives. Violetta enters on the arm of Baron Douphol. Alfredo, victorious in gambling explains that he is unlucky in love, lucky at cards. The Baron, incensed at Alfredo’s insolence, challenges him to play. Alfredo accepts and beats the Baron repeatedly at high stakes. When the guests withdraw to dinner, Violetta entreats Alfredo to leave. Alfredo answers that he will leave, but only if she accompanies him. Unable to reveal her true feelings, Violetta declares that she is in love with the Baron. In a jealous rage Alfredo calls in the guests, throws money at Violetta’s feet, and proclaims that he has paid her in full. Giorgio, who has witnessed the scene, rebukes his son for his behavior. Alfredo, realizing the lengths to which his rage has taken him, is contrite. The Baron assures Alfredo that he must answer for the insult in a duel.
ACT III
Violetta’s Bedroom
Violetta is dying. Her friend, Dr. Grenvil, examines her and quietly tells Annina that she has a few hours left. Violetta sends Annina out to give money to the poor. She reads a letter from Giorgio in which she learns that Alfredo has gone abroad after wounding the Baron in a duel. Full of regret, he has told Alfredo the truth about her sacrifice. Alfredo will come to her as soon as possible, though Violetta is afraid that he might be too late. The sound of carnival celebrations are heard outside. Alfredo arrives and the reunion fills Violetta with euphoria. She tries to get up but is too weak. Suddenly, all sorrow and suffering seems to have left her—a final illusion, before death claims her.
