Act I
An attic in Paris, December 24, evening
In their shabby attic, the painter Marcello and the poet Rodolfo complain of the cold. Colline, their philosopher roommate, arrives followed by the fourth Bohemian, the musician Schaunard who brings wood, food, wine and money. The three set the table for the meal they have craved for so many days but Schaunard insists that on Christmas Eve they will eat outside. Suddenly Benoit, their land-lord, appears and demands the overdue rent. He is invited inside, offered some wine and begins to tell of his amorous adventures. In the name of virtue, the four throw the married land-lord out.
Rodolfo stays behind in order to finish a newspaper article while his friends leave. A weak knock is heard and the neighbor Mimi enters asking Rodolfo to light her candle. Rodolfo assists her and lights her candle and she hurries out, immediately returning as the wind has blown out the candle once again. This time Rodolfo quickly blows out his own candle too and in the darkness Mimi drops her key. She asks Rodolfo to help find it and when he does he conceals it and continues searching until his hand touches Mimi's hand. Rodolfo sends his three friends off, but Mimi begs him to join his friends promising, in a very suggestive manner, a surprise for later in the evening. Rodolfo offers his arm to Mimi and the couple leaves.
Act II
Outside the Cafe Momus in the Latin Quarter, later that evening
The Latin Quarter is crowded. Children rush after the toy seller Parpignol. The Bohemians dine outside on the pavement. Colline has had his beard trimmed, Schaunard has picked up a girl and only Marcello is alone. Rodolfo buys Mimi a bonnet and introduces her to his friends. Suddenly Marcello notices his old flame Musetta walk by expensively dressed on the arm of the old yet wealthy Alcindoro. Musetta also notices her former lover and sits close to him trying to attract his attention. Pretending that one of her shoes is pinching her feet she sends Alcindoro to get a new one and throws herself into Marcello's arms. As the six merry makers are about to depart a waiter brings their bill which Musetta adds to hers which is left to Alcindoro.
ACT III
Outside a tavern by one of the Paris toll gates. A cold, wet February dawn
Mimi approaches looking for Marcello. She begs him to intervene on her behalf with Rodolfo as his jealousy has made their life together impossible. She hides when Rodolfo comes out of the tavern. He tells Marcello that he has had enough of Mimi and that he cannot stand her flirtations. But then he reveals the real truth: Mimi is very ill and his life of poverty will kill her, which is why they must part. Mimi overhears their conversation and realizes for the first time that her illness is fatal. She accepts Rodolfo's decision to part, but they agree to stay together until spring. Marcello and Musetta quarrel outside the tavern, Musetta arguing that she cannot stand his jealousy and that she hates lovers who behave like husbands. Rodolfo and Mimi depart hand in hand.
ACT IV
The attic, early summer
Marcello and Rodolfo are alone and while pretending to be happy neither can forget the memory of his love. Colline and Schaunard come in with some food, but this time only bread and herring. They improvise a meal, pretend to be at a ball and even fight a mock duel, when Musetta bursts in telling them that Mimi is very ill. Rodolfo rushes outside and brings Mimi in. Everyone tries to satisfy Mimi's last desires. Musetta gives her earrings to Marcello and asks him to buy Mimi a warm muff. Colline goes to pawn his coat and bring a doctor. Alone with Rodolfo, Mimi recalls their first meeting, their short spell of happiness, their dreams and their love. She thanks her friends as they return and closes her eyes. As Musetta prays for Mimi's health Schaunard discovers that Mimi is dead.
