Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy are the four March sisters, living with their mother, whom they call Marmee. They are genteel, upper class poor, living in Massachusetts during the civil war when their father is serving in the Union army on the front lines.
The story details their lives through their childhood, and how the older sisters work to support the family and their interactions with their neighbors, especially the rich Mr. Laurence next door and his grandson Laurie.
Each of the four has a unique quality, as well as distinct dreams and passions; talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other.
The book is a plain narrative, there are no great events or adversities, no rising/falling action, no climax. But it is gentle, wholesome paean to the good old days, an enduring and endearing classic espousing good values and honest living.