Who is Suzuki in Madama Butterfly?

In Giacomo Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly, Suzuki is the loyal servant of the protagonist, Cio-Cio-San (Madame Butterfly). She is a mezzo-soprano who remains by Butterfly's side throughout the story, providing emotional support and care for both Butterfly and her young son, Trouble.12

Suzuki plays a pivotal role in the opera's final act, where she is devastated to discover the arrival of Kate Pinkerton, the American wife of B.F. Pinkerton. Despite her efforts to protect Butterfly from the painful truth of Pinkerton's abandonment, she is ultimately tasked with helping to facilitate the difficult transition of the child into the care of the Pinkertons. Her character serves as a constant, grounding presence amidst the tragedy that unfolds.2