Prologue
In the tavern of Master Luther, Nuremberg. The Poetry Muse would like to become the only source of inspiration for the poet Hoffmann. To do this, she takes on the appearance of Nicklausse, Hoffmann's best friend. Councilor Lindorf, Hoffmann's enemy, intercepts a letter from the singer Stella who gave the poet an appointment after his performance in the adjoining room. Arriving at the tavern at the interval, Hoffmann and Nicklausse meet students who ask the poet to tell them his three great love stories.
Act I
In the laboratory of the scientist Spalanzani. Hoffmann, a lover of Olympia, has become the scholar's pupil to be able to get nearer to the girl he thinks is his daughter. But it is actually an automaton manufactured by Spalanzani and his collaborator Coppélius. Although warned by Nicklausse, Hoffmann is blind to this fact. At a ball, while Olympia dances and sings beautifully, Coppelius ends up breaks the doll, revealing its true nature. Hoffmann painfully realises what is happening and is mocked by the crowd.
Act II
In the house of luthier Crespel, in Munich. This time, Hoffmann has fallen in love with the beautiful Antonia who has the sumptuous voice of her mother, a singer who died from too much singing. She eagerly repeats a song but her father warns of the dangers of these exercises on her fragile health, not wishing to see her die like her mother. Hoffmann finally learns that Antonia is suffering from tuberculosis and begs her to stop singing. However, Dr. Miracle, who convinced Crespel to let him heal his daughter, encourages her to sing which she does until her inevitable fate...
Act III
In a palace, in Venice. Even if Hoffmann has promises Niklausse that he will not fall in love with the courtesan Giulietta, it is no use! Giulietta, who remains under the authority of the demon Dapertutto, is preparing to take over Hoffmann's shadow, after stealing that of his ex-lover Schlemil. The latter also tries to save Hoffmann from his passion for the courtesan but is killed by Hoffmann in a duel. After a search, Hoffmann arrives in Giulietta's room, only to see her leave with a new lover.
Epilogue
Back in Luther's tavern. Hoffmann has finished his story, totally drunk. He understands that the one he really loves is Stella, but on seeing him is such a inebriated state, she goes back to Advisor Lindorf's arms. Despite the attempts of Nicklausse (appearing once more as the Muse of Poetry) to cheer him up, Hoffmann gets totally drunk to try to forget.
