The story follows the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—during and after the American Civil War. Living in New England, the girls face various personal challenges and societal expectations. Jo, the independent and ambitious second sister, dreams of becoming a writer and fiercely rejects traditional roles for women. Meg, the eldest, longs for a stable domestic life but struggles with the social norms constraining her ambitions. The artistic Amy craves sophistication and social acceptance, while shy and musically talented Beth battles illness. Their mother, Marmee, guides them with wisdom and compassion, as their father is away serving in the war.

Throughout their journeys, the sisters encounter love, heartbreak, and personal growth. Jo develops a close friendship with Laurie, their wealthy neighbor, who has his own aspirations and affections. The narrative shifts between the sisters' teenage years and their young adulthood, depicting how their dreams evolve and how they navigate their individual paths. The story is a heartfelt exploration of family bonds, the search for identity, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. Ultimately, the sisters' lives intertwine in ways that shape their futures and test their resilience as they strive to achieve their dreams while remaining true to themselves.