I always knew that Rent was based on La Boheme, but not knowing anything about La Boheme, I had no idea how close some of the plot elements and character names were between the two until I read a synopsis of La Boheme online. For those who might be interested, here's a summary of act one of La Boheme, with a link to the full synopsis below it:
ACT ONE
In a garret in the Latin Quarter of Paris on Christmas Eve. Marcello, the painter and the poet Rodolfo try to keep warm by burning pages from Rodolfo's latest drama. They are joined by their young friends Colline, a young philosopher and Schaunard, a musician. The latter has brought money and food. They are celebrating their new-found fortune when there is a knock on the door. It is their landlord Benoit who has come to collect the overdue rent. Plying him with wine, they urge him to speak of his infidelities and finally they throw him out in mock indignation at his disloyalty to his wife. Colline, Schaunard and Marcello depart for the Café Momus. Rodolfo remains at home to write, promising to join them very shortly. There is a gentle tap at the door and this time the visitor turns out to be a pretty young woman, one of their neighbours, Mimì, who is pale and weak. Her candle has been blown out on the draughty stairs and she would like it to be re-lit. Rodolfo does what she asks and just when she is about to leave she feels faint. Rodolfo offers her some wine to restore her energy. Mimì then realizes she has lost her key and as they are both searching for it on the stairs, their candles are blown out. The poet takes the girl's hand and tells her his dreams in the moonlight. Mimì explains that she leads a simple and solitary life and embroiders flowers. She adores the springtime. Rodolfo in the meantime finds Mimì's key but hides it in his pocket. From outside, Rodolfo's friends beckon him to come along to Café Momus. He calls to them to keep two seats for him that he will be along very soon. Rodolfo and Mimì, who are very drawn to each other, leave for the bar to join the others.
http://www.arena.it/eng/front/documentiING/sinopsi/boh%E8me.htm
