Anthy’s true identity and history are gradually revealed over the course of the series. She is the sister of Akio Ohtori, the chairman of Ohtori Academy, and plays a pivotal role in the dueling game as the Rose Bride. Her role is intrinsically tied to Akio’s manipulations and the duels, as she is used as a tool to control the Duelists and their ambitions. Centuries before the events of the series, Anthy was a central figure in the mythology surrounding the “prince.” She was fiercely loyal to her brother, who sought to become a savior figure for the world. However, when the people demanded more of her brother, Anthy attempted to protect him by sacrificing herself, an act that led to her being labeled a “witch.” This branding marked the beginning of her eternal suffering, as she became the embodiment of humanity’s rage and desires, endlessly used and abused in the name of power.

At Ohtori Academy, Anthy appears as a quiet, unassuming girl, her true nature hidden beneath layers of submission and secrecy. Her past traumas and the ongoing abuse she endures from the Duelists leave her emotionally scarred and deeply isolated. Her journey with Utena represents her struggle to reclaim her agency and break free from the cycle of oppression.

Anthy’s delicate and ethereal appearance reflects her enigmatic nature. She has dark skin, violet hair styled in a wavy updo, and green eyes that often appear distant or melancholic. She wears a modified version of the Ohtori Academy uniform, which incorporates elements of royal attire, including a red jacket with gold trim and a flowing skirt.

As the Rose Bride, Anthy often wears an elaborate gown adorned with roses, emphasizing her symbolic role in the dueling game. Her appearance is carefully crafted to convey both her status as an object of desire and her inherent otherness within the academy.

Anthy’s personality is multifaceted, shaped by centuries of suffering and manipulation. Outwardly, she appears docile, obedient, and emotionless, conforming to the expectations of those around her. This “doormat” behavior causes others to project their desires and frustrations onto her, making her a frequent target of their rage and violence.

Beneath this exterior lies a more complex character. Anthy is deeply intelligent, with a sharp sense of humor and moments of passive-aggressive defiance. She harbors feelings of resentment and bitterness toward her role as the Rose Bride and the people who exploit her, but she also demonstrates immense capacity for love and selflessness, particularly in her evolving relationship with Utena.

Her duality as both victim and manipulator reflects the series’ exploration of power dynamics and the interplay between agency and oppression. Anthy’s journey is one of self-discovery and liberation, as she learns to confront her trauma and reclaim her identity.

The Rose Bride
Anthy’s role as the Rose Bride makes her the centerpiece of the dueling game at Ohtori Academy. She is bound to the victor of each duel, expected to fulfill their desires and support their ambitions. This role reduces her to an object, symbolizing power and control, while concealing her own humanity.

Relationship with Utena
Utena’s arrival at Ohtori Academy marks a turning point for Anthy. Unlike the other Duelists, Utena sees Anthy as a person rather than an object, treating her with kindness and respect. Their relationship evolves from one of protector and ward to a deep, transformative bond that challenges both characters’ perceptions of themselves and each other. Through her interactions with Utena, Anthy begins to question her role as the Rose Bride and confront the pain and resentment she has suppressed for centuries. Utena’s determination to free Anthy from her role ultimately inspires Anthy to take steps toward her own liberation.

Confrontation with Akio
Anthy’s relationship with her brother, Akio, is central to her story. As the orchestrator of the dueling game, Akio uses Anthy to manipulate the Duelists and maintain his power. Their relationship is marked by manipulation, control, and deeply ingrained trauma. Anthy’s eventual defiance of Akio represents a critical moment in her journey toward autonomy.

• Utena Tenjou
  Utena’s kindness and unwavering belief in Anthy’s humanity spark her journey of self-discovery and liberation. Their relationship is the emotional core of the series, representing themes of love, trust, and empowerment.

• Akio Ohtori
  As her brother and oppressor, Akio embodies the forces that have shaped Anthy’s suffering. Their relationship is fraught with manipulation and abuse, making her eventual defiance of him a powerful act of resistance.

• The Duelists
  Anthy’s interactions with the other Duelists reflect her role as a projection of their desires and frustrations. Her treatment by the Duelists highlights the series’ critique of power and objectification.