Just after Utena's parents died, she was consoled by a prince who gave her a ring with a rose crest on it. Utena was so impressed by the prince that she vowed to become one herself one day. A few years later, Utena attends Ohtori Academy where she dresses in the boys' uniform. After her friend is insulted by a member of the Student Council, Utena fights in a duel for her friend's honor. Her rose crest allows her to enter the dueling arena where she wins the duel and becomes engaged to Anthy, the Rose Bride. As she becomes fond of Anthy, Utena must fight to keep her friend safe and to discover the horrifying secret behind Ohtori Academy.