Camille is a prostitute living in Paris who falls in love with a promising young man named Armand Duval. Armand's father, worried about his son's future, asks Camille not to marry Armand so he can focus on his career and social standing. Camille agrees and breaks off her relationship with Armand, though it is very difficult for her. But later, when she faces financial difficulties and falls seriously ill, she discovers that Armand still loves her