As a child, Utena was consoled and given a special ring by a prince after her parents died. Now a teenager, she attends Ohtori Academy, and longs to be like that prince.
In an attempt to defend her best friend's honor, Utena challenges the kendo captain to a duel, and soon finds herself wrapped up in so much more than she'd anticipated.
By chance, Utena managed to defeat Saionji in their duel, and now he's determined to have a rematch. However, Utena already secretly intends to lose on purpose, so she can be free of the dueling game.
As Utena continues to adjust to life with her new roommate, she starts to realize how few friends Anthy actually has. But in urging Anthy to expand her social circle, Utena unwittingly places Anthy into a trap.
Miki, a shy pianist and member of the Student Council, has an interest in Anthy. Miki swears he has no interest in the duels and offers to help tutor Utena and Anthy.
Miki's starting to realize the extent of Anthy's loyalty to her role as the Rose Bride. Will such an understanding be enough to move such a passive boy to duel for possession of her?
Nanami suspects someone is out to get her. A number of strange events have been occuring, placing her in danger. The latest caused a dashing young boy to appear from out of nowhere to save her.
Jury, the fencing team captain, has taken a special interest in Utena lately. She finds Utena's lack of regard for the dueling game to be sensible, but Jury still hopes to accomplish something by winning.
A mishap during home economics has caused Anthy and Utena to switch bodies. Nanami, accepting the blame for this mishap, sets out to find the cure for their predicament.
Saionji and Touga have always been at odds since they were children. Their reasons for participating in the dueling game are apparently very different as well, though they share a common past.
Nanami's possessiveness of her brother has only grown after his injury at the hands of Saionji. Even the simplest gesure from Utena brings Nanami's jealousy and anger out… this time to the boiling point.
