Act I
Don Pasquale, an elderly bachelor, is frustrated that his nephew Ernesto has refused an arranged marriage. To punish Ernesto, Pasquale decides to disinherit him by tak¬ing a wife himself. Dr. Malatesta, Ernesto's friend, suggests that his younger sister might be a suitable bride for the old bache¬lor and, feeling youthful, Pasquale asks Malatesta to arrange a meeting.
When Ernesto still refuses his uncle's demands and declares his love for the widow Norina, Pasquale orders him to leave the house. Ernesto is shaken by the news of his uncle's wedding plans and dis-mayed that his friend Malatesta arranged the marriage. Realizing he has been disin-herited, Ernesto decides that it would be better to leave Norina than ask her to share his new poverty.
Reflecting on romance, Norina is dis-tressed to receive a farewell note from Ernesto. Malatesta interrupts and attempts to cheer her by revealing his plot to trick Pasquale on the lovers' behalf. Suggesting that Norina pose as his sister Sofronia, Malatesta tells her to marry Pasquale in a mock ceremony and drive him crazy. Norina likes the idea and Malatesta begins coaching her on how to act.
INTERMISSION
Act II
In Pasquale's living room, Ernesto laments his lost love and then leaves as Pasquale arrives. Malatesta introduces "Sofronia" to Pasquale. Taken by the seemingly shy girl, Pasquale decides to marry her imme¬diately. He summons a notary and arranges to leave his estate to Sofronia and give her power over his household. Over-hearing Pasquale, Ernesto bursts in, but Malatesta quickly takes him aside and xplains the plot. Soon after the contract is signed, the shy Sofronia suddenly changes into a strong-willed, extravagant woman, much to the dismay of Pasquale.
INTERMISSION
Act III
In his now lavishly furnished living room, Pasquale is angry to discover his wife's accumulated bills. Servants bring in even more purchases, and Don Pasquale deter-mines to confront her. As Norina passes through the room on her way to the theater, he bars her way. Slapping Pasquale's face, she declares she will return in the morning. In her hurry, she drops a letter for a rendezvous later in the garden. Reading the note, Pasquale sends for Malatesta.
Briefly meeting with Malatesta, Ernesto discusses the final plans for his tryst with Norina that evening. Soon after, Malatesta joins a downcast Pasquale and encourages him to catch "Sofronia" with her lover. Pasquale rejoices in his imminent revenge.
Later, in Pasquale's garden, Ernesto sere-nades Norina. Pasquale and Malatesta break in upon them, but Ernesto escapes without notice. Sofronia angrily denies Pasquale's accusations of infidelity, and when Malatesta tells her that Ernesto's bride is corning to live in her house, Sofronia angrily declares that she will leave rather than share her home with another woman. Ernesto is summoned, and Don Pasquale, hoping to get rid of Sofronia, now approves his nephew's plans to marry Norina. Malatesta reveals Sofronia's true identity, and, relieved to find his false mar¬riage over, Pasquale blesses the young cou¬ple and agrees that it is foolish for an old man to marry a young girl.