"Fruits Basket" centers on Tohru Honda, a high school girl who, after losing her mother in a tragic accident, begins living in a tent in the woods to avoid burdening her relatives. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her classmate Yuki Sohma and his family are cursed by the Chinese zodiac. The Sohma family members transform into animals of the zodiac when embraced by someone of the opposite sex or when under stress. Tohru is invited to live with Yuki, his cousin Shigure, and their hot-tempered cousin Kyo, who embodies the Cat, a spirit excluded from the zodiac legend.

As Tohru becomes entwined with the Sohma family, she learns about the complexities of their curse and the emotional scars it has inflicted on each member. The curse binds them to the spirit of their respective zodiac animal, causing them to transform and isolating them from normal human relationships. Tohru's kindness and resilience gradually help the Sohmas confront their pain and begin to heal. Yuki, often seen as aloof and perfect, struggles with feelings of inadequacy and a strained relationship with his abusive mother. Kyo, burdened by the stigma of being the Cat, harbors deep self-loathing and a rivalry with Yuki. Shigure, the seemingly carefree and mischievous older cousin, hides a more calculating and manipulative side tied to the family's internal politics.

The narrative explores themes of family, trauma, and self-acceptance as Tohru interacts with other cursed members of the Sohma family, including the stoic Hatori, the cheerful Momiji, and the enigmatic Akito, the family head who wields significant control over the curse. Akito's role as the "God" of the zodiac binds the family together but also perpetuates their suffering, as their fear of abandonment and isolation keeps them subservient. Tohru's unwavering compassion challenges the Sohmas to confront their fears and break free from the cycle of pain.

The story balances moments of humor and warmth with darker, more introspective themes, delving into the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters. Over time, Tohru's presence catalyzes change within the Sohma family, leading to revelations about the curse's origins and the possibility of breaking it. The series culminates in a resolution that addresses the characters' growth, relationships, and the eventual liberation from their emotional and supernatural burdens.