She loyally endures her husband's coldness and abuse since they travel the countryside After circus strongman Zampanò, purchases from her impoverished mother Gelsomina, a woman to be his wife and partner. So on Zampanò must manage conflicted feelings and his jealousy about Gelsomina if she contemplates leaving Zampanò, also finds a kindred soul in Il Matto, the circus fool.