"Bakemonogatari" centers on Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who survives a vampire attack and retains some supernatural abilities. After this incident, he becomes involved in helping others afflicted by supernatural phenomena, often referred to as "oddities." The series is structured as a series of interconnected arcs, each focusing on a different character and their encounter with an oddity.

The first arc introduces Hitagi Senjougahara, a classmate of Araragi who suffers from a condition where she weighs almost nothing due to a crab oddity. Araragi helps her confront and resolve this issue, leading to the development of a complex relationship between the two. Another arc focuses on Mayoi Hachikuji, a ghostly girl who appears as a lost spirit unable to find her way home. Araragi assists her in coming to terms with her situation, revealing deeper emotional layers to her character.

The series also delves into the story of Suruga Kanbaru, a fellow student and former rival of Senjougahara, who is cursed by a "monkey's paw" that grants destructive wishes. Araragi intervenes to help her break free from the curse. Additionally, Nadeko Sengoku, a shy middle school girl, becomes entangled with a snake oddity that manifests as a curse, and Araragi works to free her from its influence.

Tsubasa Hanekawa, Araragi's close friend and class representative, plays a significant role throughout the series. Her arc involves a mysterious black cat oddity that embodies her repressed emotions, leading to a confrontation that forces her to confront her inner turmoil. Each arc explores the psychological and emotional struggles of the characters, often using the oddities as metaphors for their personal issues.

The narrative is driven by sharp, dialogue-heavy interactions, with Araragi serving as the central figure who connects the various stories. The series blends elements of mystery, romance, and psychological drama, with a strong emphasis on character development and the interplay between the supernatural and human experiences. The structure of "Bakemonogatari" is non-linear, with frequent flashbacks and shifts in perspective, creating a layered and intricate storytelling approach.