Act ONE
Radames, an army officer, hopes to be chosen to lead his people to victory. If he can win the war, he speculates, he might be allowed to marry Aida, a captive from the nation Radames is aiming to conquer. Princess Amneris, who loves Radames, notices that he is strongly affected by the presence of Aida, which fills her with jealousy. The King arrives with his ministers. A messenger brings news of an imminent invasion. Radames is announced as the chosen commander. The crowd expresses hope for his victorious return. Aida, too, is caught up in the battle cry; she then berates herself for having called for the defeat of her own people. Divided between loyalty to her country and her love for Radames, she asks the gods for strength.
ACT TWO
Radames and his troops have won the war. Amneris, still tormented by doubt and jealousy, resolves to question Aida. She manages to trick Aida into revealing her love for Radames; furious, Amneris tells Aida to give up all hope of being with Radames. The people celebrate the return of the victorious army. Radames asks that the prisoners of war be brought forth; among them, Aida recognizes her father, Amonasro. Hiding his true identity as king of his nation, he pleads for the lives of his people. Radames asks that the prisoners be set free. The high priest Ramfis, warning of the consequences, succeeds in having Aida and her father retained as hostages. Amneris’s father rewards Radames with her hand in marriage.
INTERMISSION
Act THREE
Preparing for her wedding to Radames, Amneris retires to the temple to worship with Ramfis. Outside the temple, Aida waits for Radames. She longs for the happiness she knew as a child in her homeland. Her father joins her and raises her hopes for a happy life at the side of her beloved. Hoping to exploit Aida’s love for Radames, Amonasro demands she find out from Radames the route his armies will take. Amonasro conceals himself nearby, where he can overhear the plan. Radames affirms his love for Aida and hopes another victory will allow him to win her once and for all. Aida instead encourages him to flee the country with her. As they start to leave, Aida asks which route his troops will take. Radames answers her, whereupon Amonasro reveals himself and Radames realizes he has blurted out an important military secret. Realizing he has also been overheard by Ramfis and Amneris as they leave the temple, Radames surrenders to the High Priest, ready to accept the consequences of his betrayal.
ACT FOUR
Torn between love and jealousy, Amneris hopes to save Radames from the priests and win him for herself. She urges him to defend himself, but he rejects her. The priests assemble and allow Radames a chance to present his defense, but he remains silent. They sentence him to be buried alive. Amneris pleads with the priests to revoke the sentence, and when they ignore her, she curses them. Sealed inside a tomb, Radames finds Aida, who had hidden there earlier. While the priests chant their hymns, the two lovers die, united at last. Above their tomb, Amneris prays for peace.
