Full Synopsis

While entertaining members of the demi-monde of French society in her Parisian home, the beautiful but frail courtesan Violetta Valéry is introduced to Alfredo Germont, a young man from Provence. Alfredo tells her that he has adored her since he first set eyes on her, and proclaims that no one could ever love her as much as he now does. Violetta gently rebuffs him but invites him to call on her the next day. Later, when alone, she wonders if she’ll ever find true love, then laughs off the idea, declaring that her life will remain a whirl of pleasure. 

Violetta has renounced her life as a Parisian courtesan and is now living happily in the country with Alfredo. Alfredo is surprised to learn that Violetta has been secretly selling off her possessions in Paris to pay for their living expenses, and, disturbed by this, he departs for Paris to raise enough money to buy back Violetta’s belongings. After he has left, Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, visits  Violetta. He tells her that hisdaughter is currently engaged to a young man from a respectable family and explains that Alfredo’s affair with a courtesan will threaten his daughter’s marriage. He begs Violetta to leave Alfredo forever. At his insistence, Violetta agrees to break up with Alfredo and writes him a letter. Alfredo returns unexpectedly and Violetta quickly leaves, promising to return later.

A messenger then delivers the letter to Alfredo, in which she tells him that she has left him forever to return to her former life in Paris. Germont returns, asking Alfredo to return to their family home but Alfredo, hurt and angered by Violetta’s rejection, sets off to find her in Paris.  
 
A party is in progress at the home of Violetta’s friend, Flora. Alfredo enters and proceeds to gamble. Violetta has returned to Baron Douphol, her rich lover. Fearing their confrontation could lead to a duel, Violetta begs Alfredo to leave. He is overcome with rage and, in front of all the guests, he insults Violetta who faints. Germont, in search of his son, arrives to witness the whole scene.  

Violetta lies dying of consumption. She comforts herself by re-reading a letter from Germont, in which he explains that he has told his son the true reason for Violetta suddenly leaving him. Violetta’s maid Annina informs her that Alfredo has arrived and he rushes in, begging her to leave Paris with him forever. Violetta eagerly agrees but collapses. The doctor is summoned and he arrives with Alfredo’s deeply remorseful father. After saying her final farewell to Alfredo, Violetta dies in his arms.