Shinji is a tall and slender young man with short, light blue hair and striking blue eyes, traits that set him apart visually from other members of the Matou family. His sharp facial features often display a smug or disdainful expression, emphasizing his arrogance and self-importance.

Shinji is typically seen in his Homurahara Academy school uniform, which consists of a white shirt, dark tie, and a black blazer. His casual attire includes a variety of modern outfits that reflect his privileged upbringing and desire to appear stylish. While his appearance suggests confidence and charisma, his demeanor often reveals his insecurities and darker tendencies.

Shinji is arrogant, self-centered, and deeply insecure, traits that define his interactions with others and his role in the story. He exhibits a superiority complex, frequently belittling those around him, especially Shirō Emiya and his step-sister Sakura Matou. Despite his outward confidence, Shinji harbors deep feelings of inadequacy, particularly due to his lack of magical talent compared to his peers and his inability to fully inherit the Matou family’s magecraft.

His jealousy of Shirō’s growing relationship with Sakura further fuels his antagonistic behavior, often leading him to act out of spite and manipulation. While Shinji presents himself as confident and capable, his cowardice becomes evident in moments of true danger or confrontation.

Shinji’s personality takes a darker turn during the Fifth Holy Grail War, as he becomes increasingly consumed by his desire for power and recognition. His actions as Rider’s acting Master demonstrate his willingness to exploit others to achieve his goals, regardless of the moral or personal consequences.

Shinji’s role in Fate/stay night is primarily that of a rival and secondary antagonist. Acting as the Master of Rider, he participates in the Fifth Holy Grail War despite his lack of magical aptitude, relying on a Command Spell to control Rider. His methods are reckless and selfish, often putting Rider in difficult positions that ultimately lead to their downfall.

Shinji’s rivalry with Shirō Emiya is a recurring theme throughout the story, rooted in their contrasting personalities and approaches to life. While Shirō seeks to protect others and uphold ideals of justice, Shinji prioritizes his own ambitions and desires.

In the Heaven’s Feel route, Shinji’s actions take a particularly sinister turn as his jealousy and hatred for Shirō lead him to betray those closest to him. His treatment of Sakura is a central point of conflict, highlighting his cruelty and lack of empathy. Despite his antagonistic role, Shinji’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition and insecurity.

• Sakura Matou
  Shinji’s step-sister, whom he treats poorly due to jealousy and resentment. His antagonistic behavior toward Sakura underscores his darker traits and contributes to her suffering.

• Shirō Emiya
  Once one of Shirō’s closest friends, Shinji’s jealousy and rivalry with him grow throughout the Holy Grail War, culminating in several confrontations.

• Rider
  Shinji is the acting Master of Rider, though their relationship is strained due to his lack of respect for her and his inability to wield her full potential.

• Zouken Matou
  As the patriarch of the Matou family, Zouken plays a significant role in shaping Shinji’s personality and ambitions, though Shinji ultimately fails to meet Zouken’s expectations as a mage.

Shinji Matou serves as a foil to the main characters inFate/stay night, highlighting themes of power, jealousy, and moral weakness. While his actions place him firmly in the antagonist role, his character is complex, offering insight into the consequences of personal and familial pressures. Shinji’s presence in the story reinforces the darker aspects of the Holy Grail War, making him an integral part of the narrative despite his flaws and eventual downfall.