there is an overworked, outcast main character who is usually (too) pretty and kind

their parents are missing or dead

they have mean/jealous/evil stepsisters or stepparents

they go from rags to riches or riches to rags to riches

there is a big event and Cindy can’t go

there is a magical helper

Cindy transforms or becomes the star of the event

she (almost) misses a time deadline

there is a lost or missing object

there is a search for the owner of the lost object

there is a “slipper” test

there is royalty to aspire to

there is a happily ever after, usually a marriage or rise in status

GREAT JOB MAKING SUCH A THOROUGH LIST YOUNGE HOUSE!