The Sailor Moon cartoon is broken down into, I think five, seasons. Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon R, Sailor Moon S, Super Sailor Moon, and Sailor Stars. Although in Japan, the series ended with episode 200, the English dub version ended so far with the Sailor Moon Super S arc.
Who are the main characters?
Well, there's several main characters. There's the Sailor Scouts, that's divided up into two groups, the Inners and Outers. There's also that dreamy and romantic protector of the Moon Princess, Tuxedo Mask (sigh). There's Luna and Artemis, the guardian cats of the Scouts. Last but not least, the Champion of Justice herself, Sailor Moon.
Who is Sailor Moon?
Sailor Moon is a teeager that leads a double life. One being a clumsy, whining crybaby, the other, the Champion of Justice. By day, she's just Serena Tsukino (I've read around, although I've only see the anime version =) who's arch-enemy (and secret crush) Darien Chiba teases her to no end by calling her "Meatball head".
So what's up between the two?
On a regular day, it seems like those two would never be able to get along. In their superhero form, (Darien is Sailor Moon's dreamboat...er...I mean protector) Sailor Moon is gaga over the dashing and courageous Tuxedo Mask (those trademark roses certainly agree with him!).
Who are the Sailor Scouts and why are they divided up into two teams?
Well, as you know, the Sailor Scouts are divided up into two groups. The Inner Sailor Scouts and the Outer Sailor Scouts. To understand their purpose, you have to understand the history.
So what's the history?
A thousand years ago, the solar system was formed under one alliance, the Silver Millenium. Each planet in the Silver Millenium was ruled by their own monarchs, but the supreme ruler and guardian of a magical crystal called the Silver Imperium Crystal was the queen of the Moon, Queen Serenity. She held the power of the Imperium Crystal, which was the most powerful force in the whole universe. Now, Queen Serenity had a young blond, azure-eyed daughter named Princess Serena (Serenity in the Japanese and manga versions). As the next heir to the Silver Millenium, she needed to be guarded and protected.
So this is where the Sailor Scouts come in?
Right! The Inner Sailor Scouts, the princesses of the inner solar system, are the protectors of the Moon Princess. Sailor Mercury, the guardian of Wisdom and Calmness, Sailor Venus, the guardian of Love and Beauty, Sailor Mars, the guardian of Fire and Loyalty, and Sailor Jupiter, the guardian of Thunder and Courage. The Outer Sailor Scouts are the guardians and protectors of the Moon Kingdom. Sailor Saturn, the guardian of Death and Rebirth, Sailor Uranus, guardian of the Skys, Sailor Neptune, guardian of the Seas and Music, and Sailor Pluto, the guardian of Time.
Wait, what about Earth? Didn't Earth have a Sailor Scout?
Technically, no. Earth was not a part of the Silver Millenum. But, Earth had a prince, a very dashing one at that. His name was Prince Darien (Endymion in the Japanese and Manga version). He was in-love with none other than the Moon Priness herself, Serenity. He had jet-black hair, deep blue eyes. It's not that hard to fall for a guy like that!
So what happened?
Well, the Silver Millenium was attacked by a force known as the Negaforce. It's leader is Queen Metallia and Queen Beryl. Now, Beryl is in-love, or better yet, obsessed with the Prince of Earth but she knows that he'll never lover her. So she figured she should get rid of the competition.