Marie Duplessis, the girl who grew up to inspire The Lady of the Camellias by Alexandre Dumas, was born into an impoverished, violent household in Normandy. The victim of human trafficking, she became a mistress to many opulent lovers, among them composer Franz Liszt and Alexandre Dumas. John Neumeier's ballet takes place during the auction which follows the death of Margaret Gautier, once the most desirable Parisian courtesan. The story is a series of memories, told by various characters close to her.