Violetta knows she will die soon. Her history in the sex industry has taken its toll. She fights her disease with hedonism: She drinks and dances against death and has promised herself to swear off love. But then Alfredo comes into her life and convinces her that his love is real. They leave the city to build up a happy, simple life together.

All seems well until one day Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s brother, comes to her house. He manages to convince Violetta that her affair is damaging his family. She does what he asks of her and breaks up with Alfredo.

The desperate Alfredo follows Violetta to a party and attempts to get her back. When she refuses to come back with him and admits to loving someone else, he humiliates her in front of everyone by treating her like a whore. When he finally finds out the truth it is too late: he arrives at Violettas place and can only see her die.