The
slave girl in
Turandot, and one of the most
moving and
pathetic roles in
opera. She is the
faithful servant of
Timur, the
exiled King of
Tartary, and has loved his son
Calaf since the day he
smiled at her. He however never noticed her.
In Act One she sings "Signore ascolta" (Sir, listen) begging Calaf not to stake his life seeking the hand of the Princess Turandot.
In Act Three she sings "Tu che di gel sei cinta" (You who are girdled with ice) to Turandot, and then kills herself rather than reveal Calaf's name and endanger his life.