amateur observing - What are the stars/constellations a beginner/enthusiast can easily identify?

It varies throughout the year. A book or a website with maps will help.

In Spring, Leo and Boötes dominate the southern skies, with Coma Berencies between them

In Summer, the summer triangle of Deneb, Altair and Vega is seen, with Cygnus flying along the Milky Way, and the rich star fields of Saggitarius closer to the horizon.

In Autumn there is the square of Pegasus, with Andomeda riding, past Perseus

And in Winter, Orion dominates the southern skies, with his dogs following.

In the North, Cassiopea and the Ursa Major, are on opposite sides of the Pole star.