Turiddu returns to his Sicilian village after 5 years of military service and finds that his old sweetheart Lola is about to marry Alfio. After the marriage, Turiddu pays court to Santuzza, and gradually they seem to fall in love. Lola eventually becomes bored with the stolid Alfio and succeeds in tempting Turiddu to rekindle their love. One night, during the absence of Alfio, who is often away on business trips, Santuzza sees Turiddu enter Lola's house. The next day is Easter Sunday, and while everyone is in church, the jealous Santuzza blurts out the truth of Lola and Turiddu's betrayal to Alfio, who has just returned. Alfio challenges Turiddu to a duel, and Turiddu is killed.