On Easter Sunday. Turiddu serenades his mistress, Lola. Shortly afterwards, Santuzza, a village girl, questions old Mamma Lucia about Turiddu, who is her son. Santuzza, who is engaged to Turiddu, worries because of his recent cold behavior. The women's conversation is interrupted by the entrance of Alfio, a bluff, hearty, and popular young teamster, who sings a song about his carefree life. lie does not yet know that Turiddu has been making love to his wife Lola, but when he mentions that he has seen the soldier near his house, Santuzza is sure of her suspicions.
Villagers join in an Easter prayer. A religious procession passes through the square and the villagers follow, but Santuzza detains Mamma Lucia to tell her story. She says that before Turiddu went into the army, he promised to marry her, but then returned and deserted her, and that he is now paying court to Lola. Lucia is shocked but promises no help. When Turiddu himself comes in, Santuzza appeals to him directly. He offers unconvincing excuses, and he is growing very angry, when Lola herself enters, very prettily dressed, and on her way to church. She sings a ditty about love; when she has gone, the quarrel between Santuzza and Turiddu breaks out again with renewed violence. Finally, Turiddu will stand no more of it. He storms into the church. Santuzza cries a curse after him.
The last one to come to church is Alfio. Santuzza stops him, too, and in her anger tells him of the relationship between Lola and Turiddu. Santuzza's earnestness leaves no room for doubt that she is telling the truth. Alfio runs off, swearing a terrible vengeance, and Santuzza, filled with remorse, follows him.
After an orchestral intermezzo which takes place during Mass, the villagers wander onto the square. Turiddu invites everyone to join him in a drink. But Alfio, in a menacing mood, comes on the scene and angrily refuses Turiddu's offer. The two men confront each other, a challenge is exchanged, and Alfio imperturbably answers Turiddu's violent threats by saying he will meet him in combat. It is nowT uriddu's turn to be filled with remorse. He calls his mother, bids her take care of Santuzza, says farewell, and runs off to fight with Alfio. The terror-stricken Santuzza rushes in with some frightened neighbors, and a moment later a woman screams that Turiddu has been murdered. Alfio has won the duel.