 It recounts the tragedy of Canio, the lead clown (or "pagliaccio" in Italian) in a commedia dell'arte troupe, his wife Nedda, and her lover, Silvio.When Nedda spurns the advances of Tonio, another player in the troupe, he tells Canio about Nedda's betrayal.In a jealous rage Canio murders both Nedda and Silvio.