THE STORY: The Scottish families of Ravenswood and Lammermoor are in the midst of a old feud, when Lucia of Lammermoor and Edgardo of Ravenswood meet and fall in love.  The opera begins with Lucia's brother, Enrico, lamenting that she won't marry to save the family.  He is trying to arrange a marriage with Lord Arturo in an effort to regain some of the family's lost fortune and prestige.  Her tutor suggests that the grief from their mother's recent death is hindering her thoughts of love.  But a friend reveals Lucia is in love with the family's sworn enemy.

Meanwhile Lucia is waiting by her mothers grave for Edgardo.  She has had a premonition that her love affair will end tragically, but when Edgardo arrives, they discuss continuing their relationship, keeping it a secret, and exchange rings.

When Enrico next sees Lucia, he shows her a forged letter, proving Edgardo's commitment to another.  Though her heart is broken, she agrees to marry Arturo for the sake of the family name.  As soon as the ceremony closes and she signs the marriage contract, Edgardo barges in.  But seeing he is to late, he assumes Lucia betrayed him and leaves.

Enrico confronts Edgardo, and they agree to a duel at dawn.  While he is away, the wedding festivities continue until Lucia sinks into madness and kills Arturo in the wedding chamber.  She wanders in, completely mad and dreaming of Edgardo.  Her sorrow takes hold of her and she dies.

Edgardo awaits Enrico, angry at Lucia for her betrayal and hoping for his death.  But a messenger tells him she is dying and calling for him, then another enters to tell him she has died.  Grief-stricken, he stabs himself and dies.