Marcello, an artist, and Rodolfo, a poet, try to keep warm in their Latin Quarter garret on Christmas Eve by feeding the stove pages from Rodolfo’s drama. Before long, they are joined by their roommates, Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who arrive bringing food and money. In high spirits, all but Rodolfo leave for the Café Momus; he promises to join them later. A young neighbor, Mimi, enters requesting a light for her candle which has gone out. As she is about to leave, she discovers that she has lost her room key and her candle is again blown out by a draft from the door. Rodolfo blows out his own candle and the two search for the key in the now-darkened room. He takes Mimi’s hand and tells her of his dreams, and she tells him of her simple life. The others call from the street and Mimi and Rodolfo decide to go to the Café together.

Amid the cries of street vendors, Rodolfo buys Mimi a bonnet inside the Café Momus. The poet introduces Mimi to his friends and they select a table for their Christmas Eve celebration. Musetta, Marcello’s former sweetheart, makes a spirited entrance on the arm of her rich new admirer, the elderly Alcindoro. At first she teases Marcello, and then, pretending that her shoe pinches, sends Alcindoro to have it repaired. As Alcindoro returns, the others run off leaving him with the bill from the Café.

Mimi enters in search of the Inn where Marcello and Musetta are now living. Mimi tells Marcello of Rodolfo’s incessant jealousy and says that they must part. Rodolfo comes out and Mimi hides, listening. The poet tells Marcello that he must separate from Mimi because her illness can only grow worse in the poverty in which they are living. Mimi comes out of her hiding place to bid farewell to Rodolfo. They exchange memories of their happiness, and decide to stay together for the winter.

Separated from their lovers, Rodolfo and Marcello try to work but find it difficult to concentrate. Colline and Schaunard join them and the four stage a mock ball. Suddenly, Musetta rushes in, announcing that Mimi is dying and has asked to return to the garret where she and Rodolfo have been so happy. Rodolfo and Mimi are left alone and recall happier times together. As the others return with food and medicine, Mimi dies.