Utena is the main character in the story. She likes sports, is a good cook, and collects tea cups. Her preference is to wear a (modified) male uniform - as school regulation doesn't exactly state which sex can wear which uniform. She is a spirited girl, orphaned at a young age. She also bears a mysterious ring, given to her by a prince long ago. Her goal is to be like that prince she once met.

Anthy is involved in the duels by acting as the prize. She is known as the Rose Bride. Whoever wins a duel, is engaged to her. It is said that the power of Dios lies inside of her, and she in fact bears the Sword of Dios within her. Anthy is an elegant and graceful girl who is very quiet, reserved, and tends to keep to herself. She willingly submits to the winner of the duel (which is eerie at times). She likes roses, gardening, and animals. Her best friend is Chu Chu.

Chu Chu is Anthy's best friend. Although Anthy seems to like all animals, Chu Chu is the one who is usually seen. Chu Chu seemingly got his name from the sound he makes; that being "chu". Chu Chu has the habit of getting into mischief - usually as a direct result of eating. I originally thought Chu Chu to be a mouse... until my girlfriend pointed out the fact that he doesn't have any hair on his ass. Chu Chu is in fact a (very small) monkey.

Miki is a very smart young boy who already is an accomplished piano player, and fences at the national level. He is very good in school, and fairly popular. He is a rather timid boy. Although he did not originally have a motive to duel, he later falls love with Anthy (or her music anyway). For this he duels Utena. Even after he loses to her, he and Utena get along quite well as friends.

Kyouichi was the current champion before Utena got involved with the student council. He seems to be more concerned with possessing Anthy, than bringing about the world revolution. Kyouichi is very popular, despite the fact that he is abusive towards Anthy. Even though he treats her very badly, he does to some extent "love" her. He is head of the Kendo club, and secludes himself in the dojo after being defeated by Utena.

Nanami looks sweet kind and thoughtful, but in fact she's not a very nice person at all. She is the younger sister of Touga; whom she adores (she has a brother complex). She is very vengeful, and gets extremely jealous. She often has some evil plot in the works, and has masterminded such schemes as "Operation: Anthy Himemia is a total weirdo who keeps a live octopus in her closet". Usually her schemes don't quite work out.

Jury is an attractive girl involved with the student council. Her fencing ability is probably unmatched among the council members. Jury has a commanding air about her, and it is said that she can even make a teacher leave school by a bad look! Although outwardly calm and collected, Jury feels an intense rage at not being able to speak her true feelings to the one she loves.

Touga is the president of the student council. He is very popular, and the biggest playboy on campus (he makes Don Juan look like an amateur). He is well composed, and very analytical. Touga is fairly displeased with the way Kyouichi's treatment of Anthy, even though the two are friends. He is quite intrigued by Utena (perhaps even infatuated with her). Touga seems to be good at just about everything (and can even K.O. rampaging kangaroos).