Did You Know?

We design Docy for the readers, optimizing not for page views or engagement

Get Started

Mary Saotome

Mary Saotome (早乙女 芽亜里) serves as a deuteragonist in Kakegurui: Compulsive Gambler and takes the lead in the spin-off series Kakegurui Twin. As a second-year student at Hyakkaou Private Academy, she shares classes with both Yumeko Jabami and Ryota Suzui. Notably, she is the first character in the series to confront Yumeko in a gamble, ultimately facing defeat at her hands.

“
I Don’t Know Who Told You to Do This, But Tell Me Now What It Is You Really Want!
 ”
— Mary Saotome

Appearance

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Mary’s full appearance.

Mary Saotome is of average height, sporting long, flowing blonde hair styled into two high ponytails secured with black ribbons. Her striking dark-yellow eyes complement her vibrant look.

She dons the standard uniform of Hyakkaou Private Academy, which consists of a tailored red blazer featuring black trim along the cuffs and collar, adorned with decorative gold buttons. Underneath the blazer, she wears a crisp white button-up shirt paired with a sleek black tie. Her ensemble is completed with a gray pleated skirt, black stockings, and classic brown loafers with contrasting black soles.

Mary often enhances her features with subtle makeup, including mascara, blush, and a soft pinkish-beige lipstick, giving her a polished and approachable appearance.

Personality

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Mary relentlessly tormenting Ryota.

Initially, Mary Saotome is portrayed as a deeply sadistic and twisted individual. Her cruelty is particularly evident in how she treats her classmate Ryota Suzui after he becomes a “housepet,” a title given to students of lower social standing at Hyakkaou Private Academy. During gambling matches, she often taunts her opponents mercilessly, showcasing a strong sense of superiority and egotism that fuels her confidence in victory. Mary has a penchant for mocking her adversaries and revels in their misfortunes, especially when she senses a forthcoming win.

However, after suffering a defeat at the hands of Yumeko Jabami and experiencing the humiliation of being relegated to a housepet, Mary becomes desperate to reclaim her former status within the academy. This downward spiral culminates in a mental breakdown during a match against Yuriko Nishinotouin, where she grapples with feelings of grief and shame. Upon regaining her standing, Mary exhibits a notable shift in her demeanor; she is less arrogant and cruel than before. Although she occasionally becomes frustrated by Ryota’s timidity and Yumeko’s reckless tendencies, her underlying care for them remains evident. Her resentment towards the student council grows, fueling a desire for retribution against those who mistreat housepets.

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Mary in the aftermath of losing everything.

In the spin-off series Kakegurui Twin, it is revealed that Mary does not come from a wealthy family and is attending Hyakkaou Private Academy on a scholarship. Her lifelong ambition has been to emerge as a true winner, a goal her parents have instilled in her from a young age, encouraging her to forge connections with affluent peers. Proud of her intelligence and gambling prowess, Mary harbors a deep-seated disdain for those who belittle her due to her financial background. Throughout the prequel, she appears less ruthless, suggesting that her tough exterior may be a defense mechanism to mask her inner sadness. The absence of her friend Tsuzura Hanatemari weighs heavily on her, as she continues to wear her hairpin, symbolizing the bond they once shared.


Drama

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Mary’s in live action.

In the live-action adaptation ofKakegurui, Mary Saotome is portrayed by Aoi Morikawa. In this version, her character’s hair color has been changed to brown, providing a more natural appearance compared to the original anime depiction. Despite this alteration, Morikawa successfully captures Mary’s complex personality, blending her sadistic tendencies with the vulnerability revealed throughout the series. Her performance highlights the duality of Mary’s character, showcasing both her initial arrogance and her subsequent growth as she navigates the intense world of gambling at Hyakkaou Private Academy.


Relationships

Yumeko Jabami
When Mary first encountered Yumeko, she sought to exploit her naivety in a gamble, confident that victory was within reach. However, despite her attempts to cheat, Mary ultimately lost, leading to a deep-seated resentment towards Yumeko. This animosity transformed over time, especially following the intense events of the Debt Swap game, ultimately evolving into a close friendship as they faced various challenges together.

Ryota Suzui
Mary and Ryota share a supportive friendship that develops through their experiences at Hyakkaou Private Academy. They even join forces to confront the challenges posed by Miyo Inbami and Miri Yobami when Yumeko falls unconscious from poisoning. Their bond is strengthened by their shared struggles and the reliance they have on each other during difficult times.

List of Gambles

Opponents Gambles
  • Kokoro vs Mary
  • Yukimi vs Mary
  • Mary, Tsuzura, Yukimi, Kurumi & Chitose vs Kanade & his friends
  • Sakura vs Literary Club
  • Sakura vs Mary
  • Mary vs Ouri
  • Kokoro vs Mary II
  • Mary vs Sachiko
  • Naoko & Houko vs Mary & Mikura vs Ouri
  • Nadeshiko vs Mary
  • Mary & Tsuzura vs Nagi & Soutarou
  • Mary, Nadeshiko, Kokoro, Soutarou, Nagi, and Tsuzura
  • Nagi vs Mary
  • Aoi vs Literary Club
  • Literary Club, Shougou, Kanade & his friends
  • Sachiko vs Mary vs Yua
  • Mary vs Ryota
  • Mary vs Yumeko
  • Yuriko vs Mary
  • Yumeko & Mary vs Jun & Nanami
  • Mary & Ryota vs Miyo & Miri
  • Mary vs Ririka
  • Most of the election candidates
  • Mary vs Yumemi
  • Mary vs Miyo
  • Yumeko vs Mary
  • Kirari vs Mary & Ririka

Etymology

    The name Mary is composed of three kanji: “芽” (me), meaning “bud” or “sprout,” “亜” (a), which translates to “second” or “Asia,” and “里” (ri), meaning “village.” Notably, her first name’s kanji were selected primarily for their phonetic sounds rather than specific meanings, giving her name a unique pronunciation without a determinable reading.

    Her surname, Saotome (早乙女), consists of the kanji “早” (sa), meaning “early,” and “乙女” (otome), which translates to “maiden” or “girl.” This name can be interpreted as “woman who plants rice” or simply “young girl.” Interestingly, the term “saotome” historically referred to unmarried women in ancient Japan who were responsible for planting rice in paddies, adding a layer of cultural significance to her name. Additionally, the similarity between her surname and “São Tomé” in São Tomé and Príncipe is notable.

Trivia

    • Mary has a strong preference for honesty, often appreciating straightforward and genuine individuals.
    • She is the only character in the series whose birthday is explicitly mentioned, providing fans with a unique connection to her character.
    • The combination of Mary’s name and her appearance may allude to the song “Green, Green Grass of Home” by Tom Jones, particularly the lyric, “Down the lane, I walk with my sweet Mary. Hair of gold and lips like cherries; it’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.”
    • Mary has shown a keen sense of strategy in gambling, often using her intelligence to manipulate situations to her advantage, which is a significant aspect of her character development.
    • In Kakegurui Twin, her character is further explored, showcasing her growth and the pressures she faces as she strives to prove herself beyond her financial status.
    • Despite her initially sadistic nature, Mary’s character development reveals a more vulnerable side, especially during her interactions with Ryota and Yumeko, highlighting her complex emotional landscape.
    • Mary’s rivalry with Yumeko evolves throughout the series, transitioning from animosity to a genuine friendship that reflects the series’ themes of competition and camaraderie.