Act II

The Latin Quarter

Street vendors compete to sell their goods to the crowd while customers at the Cafe Momus call for service.

The friends take over a table in the Café Momus and Rodolfo introduces them to Mimi. In the distance can be heard the voice of the toy seller Parpignol. The friends order supper. The lovers' delight in one another is offset by Marcello's bitterness as he sees Musetta approaching. She was once his beloved, now she is accompanied by a pompous old Councillor of State,

Alcindoro, now weighed down with the presents she has bought with his money. Musetta insists on sitting at a table in the Café. Mimi admires her outfit but Marcello warns that she is Temptation, a flirt, a bird of prey who consumes human hearts.

When Musetta becomes aware that Marcello is ignoring her, she tries to attract his attention.

Determined to rid herself of her protector, Musetta complains that her shoe is too tight and orders Alcindoro to buy her another pair. Marcello realises that he still loves her. When the waiter brings the bill the friends find they have spent all their money. Musetta insists that their bill be added to hers and they all go off together into the crowd, as a tattoo passes by. They leave the large bill for Alcindoro.

Act III

The Barriere d'Enfer. February

The hour before dawn. Customs officers doze by the tollgate into Paris. Street sweepers wake them up so they can be let in.

From the nearby tavern can be heard the sounds of merrymaking led by Musetta. Carters, girls selling milk and peasant women pass through the gate.

Mimi arrives, ill and exhausted. She asks to see the painter Marcello. He invites Mimi to come inside where Rodolfo is, but she refuses, explaining that Rodolfo is consumed with jealousy. Marcello claims that his relationship with Musetta is less problematic, because it is so lighthearted. He agrees to help Mimi and sends her away - in fact, she hides. Rodolfo complains that Mimi is a terrible flirt, but when Marcello suggests his fury is not sincere, he admits the real reason: Mimi is so ill with consumption that she will die soon. Mimi has overheard all this and her coughing betrays her presence. Rodolfo tries to lead her into the warmth but she won't let him. Marcello hears Musetta laughing and leaves to find out with whom she is flirting.

Mimi says goodbye to Rodolfo, asking him to collect together all the little things she has left in his apartment - she will send someone round for them, but he is to keep the bonnet as a reminder of her. Marcello and Musetta quarrel while Rodolfo and Mimi look forward to spring.

Act IV

In the attic

Pretending to be hard at work, Marcello and Rodolfo are both distracted. Rodolfo describes an encounter with Musetta, who has forgotten her love in the comfort of a new liaison, while Marcello retaliates by describing how he saw Mimi dressed like a queen.

They have not eaten since yesterday lunchtime. Now Schaunard and Colline bring a little food.

Suddenly Musetta enters with the news that Mimi is following behind her, but very ill.

Musetta explains how she heard that Mimi had left her Viscount and was now exhausted, at the end of her strength. Mimi had told her that she wanted to die near Rodolfo.

The friends tell Musetta they have no food left. Mimi recognises and greets her friends. Musetta takes off her earrings and sends Marcello to sell them, so as to buy some medicine and send for a doctor. She follows him to buy Mimi a muff - her last request.

Colline decides to pawn his overcoat, and leaves with Schaunard.

Mimi and Rodolfo remember how they first met and fell in love. The friends return with the muff and the medicine. Rodolfo tells Colline that Mimi is sleeping peacefully, but Schaunard whispers to Marcello that she has died...