Scene 1: Armand, a young student, takes leave of Francis, his companion. Manon enters, accompanied by her brother Lescaut. Manon sits near Armand, they converse and decide to become lovers.

Scene 2: Armand has already become jealous and Manon is more and more upset by the lack of money. While Armand is in the next room, Lescaut, who has been procuring men for Manon, enters and tells her about a new prospect – Monsieur Lilaque. Armand leaves the loft and, with the encouragement of Lescaut, Manon signals Lilaque to come up.

Scene 3: Manon, who has become the mistress of Monsieur Lilaque, is writing a letter to Armand. Lescaut enters and scolds her. He proceeds to rifle the boudoir. Lilaque comes into the room and discovers money missing, then kicks both Manon and Lescaut out of his apartment.

Scene 4: Francis extolls the beauty of books and learning while Armand laments his lost Manon. Francis tells him he has seen her, and Armand is delighted with the anticipation of seeing Manon again. Manon enters, sits close to Armand, and they are reunited.

Scene 1: Manon has once again left Armand, who has now become a dope addict. In his delirium, he goes to a dive to meet Lescaut, his junkie. Lescaut appears with Lilaque fils, who is his next prospect for Manon. Manon comes looking for Armand, but he is too far gone and she exits with Lescaut and Lilaque fils. She sends Armand a message asking him to meet her the next night at Lilaque fils’ apartment.

Scene 2: Manon and Armand are together; she more frivolous than ever, he more dejected. Lescaut announces that Lilaque fils is returning. He happens to notice a valuable picture on the wall and rips it from its frame. Lilaque père unexpectedly turns up; Manon stalls him, but he discovers that the painting is missing, and bars the doorway as the three try to make their escape. Manon shoots Lilaque père and Lescaut escapes. Lilaque fils discovers Armand and Manon with the revolver in her hand.

Scene 3: Armand waits outside a prison gate for Manon, who is being transferred to another prison. He has accepted the fact that his life is ended without her.