ACT I

A salon in Violetta’s house; August 

Violetta is a well-known Parisian courtesan. At one of her parties, her guest Gastone introduces her to Alfredo Germont. Alfredo and Violetta sing together in praise of wine and pleasure. Violetta invites her guests to dance, but suddenly feels unwell – she is seriously ill with tuberculosis. The guests go on without her, but Alfredo stays behind. He tells Violetta that he is in love with her, and offers to take care of her. 

The guests leave. Alone, Violetta realizes she is attracted to Alfredo, but in her situation thinks she can only expect to live for pleasure. Her resolve wavers when she hears Alfredo outside.

INTERVAL

ACT II

A country house near Paris; the following January

Alfredo and Violetta have been living together for three months. Alfredo learns from Violetta’s maid Annina that Violetta has been selling her possessions to pay their bills. He leaves for Paris to raise more funds himself. Violetta receives an unexpected visit from Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont. His daughter’s forthcoming marriage is threatened by the scandal of Violetta’s affair with Alfredo. He asks Violetta to give up his son. She reluctantly agrees to leave Alfredo, but begs Germont to comfort his son after she has gone. Germont departs, praising her courage. Alfredo returns and after Violetta begs him to always love her, she goes out. A messenger brings Alfredo a note from Violetta, saying that she has left him. Germont returns to comfort his son and begs him to come back to the family home. Alfredo, who doesn’t know all that has happened, decides to follow Violetta to Paris.

A salon in Flora’s house

Guests gossip, dance and play cards at an elegant party given by Violetta’s friend Flora Bervoix. Alfredo arrives and gambles recklessly. Violetta and her new protector Baron Douphol arrive, which provokes Alfredo to challenge the Baron to a game of cards. Alfredo wins. Violetta asks to see Alfredo alone. When she refuses to leave with him, he summons the other guests, and throws his winnings at her as payment for their life together. Germont arrives and denounces his son’s insulting behaviour, and the Baron challenges Alfredo to a duel.

INTERVAL

ACT III

Violetta’s bedroom; February

Violetta is dying. She sends Annina to watch the Carnival festivities, and re-reads a letter in which Germont tells her that Alfredo now knows the truth about her sacrifice and will come to her. To Violetta’s joy, Alfredo arrives with Annina. Violetta and Alfredo excitedly plan a new life together away from Paris. But they realize that their plans are in vain: Violetta is too ill to recover. With Alfredo, his father, Annina and Doctor Grenvil in attendance, Violetta resigns herself to death. A sudden rush of life convinces her she has recovered, but it is a symptom of the final stage of her illness. She collapses dead in Alfredo’s arms.