"Charlotte" is a 13-episode anime series set in a world where certain adolescents develop supernatural abilities upon reaching puberty. These powers, however, are temporary and fade as they grow older. The story centers on Yuu Otosaka, a high school student who possesses the ability to temporarily take control of another person's body for five seconds. Initially, Yuu uses his power to cheat his way into a prestigious school, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Nao Tomori, a girl with the ability to become invisible to a single person. Nao is a member of the student council at Hoshinoumi Academy, a school established to protect and guide students with special abilities.

Nao exposes Yuu's misuse of his power and forces him to transfer to Hoshinoumi Academy, where he joins the student council. The council's primary mission is to locate and assist other ability users, ensuring their powers are not exploited or misused. Alongside Nao, Yuu works with other council members: Jōjirō Takajō, who can move at superhuman speeds but only in a straight line; Yusa Nishimori, a talented singer who channels the spirit of her deceased older sister, Misa, to use telekinesis; and the council's advisor, Kumagami, who oversees their activities.

As the series progresses, Yuu and the student council encounter various ability users, some of whom pose significant threats. The narrative explores themes of responsibility, loss, and the ethical implications of wielding power. Yuu's character evolves from a self-serving individual to someone who genuinely cares about protecting others. The story takes a darker turn when it is revealed that Yuu's younger sister, Ayumi, who has the ability to heal minor injuries, is killed in an accident. This tragedy serves as a catalyst for Yuu's deeper involvement in the council's mission.

The latter half of the series delves into the origins of the abilities, revealing that they are the result of a comet named Charlotte that passes near Earth every few decades. The comet's particles grant powers to adolescents but also cause severe side effects, including memory loss and eventual deterioration of the mind. Yuu learns that his ability is far more potent than initially thought; he can steal other abilities permanently, a power that becomes crucial in the final arc.

In the climax, Yuu embarks on a global mission to collect the abilities of all affected individuals, preventing further misuse and suffering. This journey is fraught with physical and emotional challenges, as Yuu must confront the consequences of his actions and the weight of his responsibility. The series concludes with Yuu successfully completing his mission but at a great personal cost, as he loses his memories due to the strain of using his power excessively.

"Charlotte" balances its narrative with moments of humor, drama, and action, creating a multifaceted story that explores the complexities of adolescence, power, and morality. The characters' growth and the unfolding mystery of the comet's influence drive the plot, making it a compelling exploration of its central themes.