The Lady of the Camellias has inspired plays, films, operas and ballets. Carl Davis' new score, based closely on Alexandre Dumas' novel, was commissioned by the National Ballet of Croatia, premiered in Zagreb in 2008 and subsequently performed for 2 successive sold out seasons. The tragic love story of Marguerite and Armand still rings out across the centuries.

Duplessis was the mistress of Alexandre Dumas. As a product of this relationship, she became the inspiration for the character of Marguerite Gautier – the main character of the romantic novel, La Dame aux Camélias (The Lady of Camellias) written by Dumas. It is said that in the book, Dumas became the character of "Armand Duval".

Dumas later adapted this story into a play, which inspired Verdi's opera La Traviata and various films (often entitled Camille). After her time with Dumas, it is believed that Duplessis became the mistress of Franz Liszt who reportedly wished to live with her.