Gioachino Rossini's opera tells the story of Angelina, known as Cenerentola, who lives with her stepfather Don Magnífico and her two stepsisters, and is treated by them as a servant. When Alidoro, Prince Ramiro's tutor, appears disguised as a beggar, Angelina is the only one who treats him kindly.
Ramiro is seeking a wife and visits the house incognito, posing as a servant, in order to get to know the young women without the trappings of courtly formality. There he meets Angelina, and a connection forms between them immediately. At the same time, his servant Dandini pretends to be the prince, further confusing the family.
When Don Magnífico and his daughters are invited to a ball at the palace, Angelina is not allowed to go. Alidoro intervenes, reveals his true identity and helps her make an appearance as an elegant, mysterious lady. No one at the palace recognises her, but Ramiro falls in love with the stranger. Before she disappears, Angelina leaves behind a bracelet, promising that the prince will find her if his feelings are genuine.
After a storm, chance finally leads Ramiro back to Don Magnífico's house. There, he recognises Angelina by the bracelet. Although he wants to punish her family for their cruelty, Angelina asks for forgiveness for them all. Thus, the opera ends with reconciliation and her recognition as a princess.