The American naval Lieutenant, Pinkerton, fascinated by the exotic beauty of the geisha Cio-Cio-San, marries her while visiting Japan. Cio-Cio-San, enthralled by his American ways and promise of a modern life in America, falls wholeheartedly in love with the stranger. But Pinkerton already has a foot out the door, looking forward to the day he will marry “a real wife, a wife from America.”

Years pass, and Cio-Cio-San waits faithfully for her husband’s return. Long abandoned by her family, she is alone with her servant Suzuki and a living memento of her American love. She refuses all offers of marriage, singing of her great hope for the day Pinkerton will return. The faithful Suzuki tries in vain to convince her to abandon hope.

But when his ship comes in, Pinkerton is not alone. As dawn breaks, what will become of Butterfly’s great hope?

Not afraid of spoilers? Read the full synopsis.

Act I

Opportunistic marriage-broker Goro offers carefree U.S. Navy Lieutenant Pinkerton a house, a servant, Suzuki and a bride, Butterfly. Despite the misgivings of Pinkerton’s friend, the diplomat Sharpless, a hasty wedding takes place.

The marriage celebrations are disrupted by a priest, Butterfly’s uncle. He has learned that Butterfly has renounced her faith and taken the religion of her new husband. She is rejected by family and friends.

Alone, Butterfly and Pinkerton explore a tender intimacy beyond both their imagining.

Act II

Three years have passed and Butterfly, abandoned by Pinkerton, is emotionally fragile. Still she remains fiercely loyal. She rejects Goro’s persistent offer of a husband, the rich Yamadori. Sharpless, knowing that Pinkerton has married an American woman, urges Butterfly to consider Goro’s proposal. Enraged by Sharpless’ suggestion that Pinkerton may never return, Butterfly reveals her son — the treasure of Pinkerton and Butterfly’s brief union. Butterfly believes this will ensure Pinkerton’s return. Sharpless promises to inform him. Suzuki tells Butterfly that Goro is spreading vile rumours about the child and they attack him. As Goro escapes their wrath a cannon signals Pinkerton’s return.

In deranged joy, Butterfly asks Suzuki to adorn the house with flowers, even though the garden is long dead. Butterfly, Suzuki and the child wait for Pinkerton’s return. Butterfly descends into a fearful dream world. Suzuki urges Butterfly and the child to rest. She meets Pinkerton, Sharpless and a foreign woman and is devastated to learn it is Pinkerton’s wife, Kate. Pinkerton, wretched with remorse is unable to face Butterfly and flees. Butterfly finds Pinkerton absent. She quickly realises that the strange woman is his wife and that she has come to take the child.

Inconsolable and alone, Butterfly takes her own life.