The commedia plot plays out in real life. The leader of the troupe, Canio, plays the "foolish husband" Pagliaccio. His wife, Nedda, plays the slutty wife Columbina. Before the performance begins, Pagliaccio leaves to go drinking. While he's gone, his wife Nedda sees her lover and they plot to elope later that night. Canio comes back and sees her lover run away, but doesn't see his face. He begs Nedda to tell her who, but she refuses.
In Act II, they perform the commedia plot, which pretty much mirrors what just happened. When Pagliaccio returns home and hears Columbina tell her love goodbye, Canio breaks character and demands that Nedda tell him the name of her lover. She tries to put him back on track for the performance, but he's distraught. Finally, he stabs her. As she dies she calls out her lover's name and Canio kills him too. The play ends when Canio announces "La Commedia รจ finita!" (the play is finished).
Infidelity! Jealousy! Rage! Murder! Performance! Costumes! Clowns!
Relevent!
Go read a more detailed plot summary on Wikipedia if you're interested.
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