Act I
Ruggiero, a wandering knight, finds himself in the realm of two sisters sorceresses, Alcina and Morgana. Alcina puts a spell on Ruggiero that makes him fall in love with her. He is not aware that her entire kingdom is full with past lovers that Alcina turned into wild beasts, trees and rocks after tiring with them. Two additional knights arrive. One is Melisso, Ruggiero’s friend. The other knight is Bradamante, a lady dressed like a man who is actually Ruggiero’s betrothed who embarked on a journey to search for and save him. They meet Ruggiero and discover a totally new man. Under Alcina’s spell, Ruggiero forgot his betrothed and claims that he is in love only with Alcina. Bradamante has no choice but to use trickery. In her male disguise she seduces Morgana, Alcina’s sister, she comes between Morgana and her lover and also courts Alcina. Oronte, Morgana’s rejected lover, warns Ruggiero from the treacherous women. Ruggiero is suspicious and jealous yet Alcina manages to persuade him that hers is indeed true love. For his sake she is willing to put a spell on “the visitor”, Bradamante in disguise and put away the threat. The other guest, Melisso, manages to take away Ruggiero’s spell. Bradamante confronts Ruggiero and reveals her true identity to him, but he is confused and fears that all he sees is an illusion or a lie.
Act II
Trying to control the upheaval, Alcina is about to turn Bradamante into a wild beast. Morgana, who is love, persuades her sister to forgive “the visitor”. Ruggiero, released from Alcina’s spell, reunites with Bradamante. Hearing about his betrayal, Alcina’s heart is broken. She tries to use the powers of darkness with no avail. Morgana is shocked by the fact that another woman has betrayed her. She returns to her lover begging his forgiveness. Ruggiero, Bradamante and Melisso try to escape. They face Alcina for a final battle in order to withdraw all her magic powers and save the pervious victims whom she imprisoned. Her kingdom destroyed, Alcina remains alone and desperate.
