Alfredo Germont has met his femme fatale in the body of the rich and famous courtesan Violetta. When he is invited to one of her parties he does not waste a second letting her know he loves her. Violetta initally sends him away, but is touched after all. After the party she dreams of a better life together with Alfredo. She decides to leave her past behind and to move to the French countryside together with her admirer. They are happy together, but Alfredo's father begs Violetta to break up this 'sinful' relationship because it is an obstacle to the marriage of Alfredo's sister. She eventually submits and writes a farewell letter. Alfredo is heartbroken and furious at this rejection. He returns to Paris and starts a fight with his former lover. Only when his father informs him about Violetta's sacrifice does he see how complex the story really is. He rushes over to Violetta to ask for her forgiveness, but it is too late: Violetta is incurably ill and dying.