Here you'll find explorations of the characters in the story, where the focus is on their personalities and motivations, rather than the themes of the show. Utena depicts characters taken to extremes, and at times they are literal archetypes. Somehow, it also manages to create characters that make sense even outside the strange circumstances they're in. Many of these essays use Utena as a springboard for a deeper exploration of human nature. One of the things I love most about Utena is this, that it's a template, a means to explore. So onward! 
Akio's comet speech in episode 34 has been mistranslated for 20 years, but no longer. This is a nose dive into one of the most content-dense moments in the series, wherein, for a brief moment, Akio sees himself in the mirror.
An exploration ot Juri's arc of discovery in the second installment of Chiho Saito's 20th Anniversary manga, a 60 page story centered on her character, across multiple continuities. ( Read it here.) Who is Anthy? The answer is different for everyone, and that assumption is the starting off point for this examination of Anthy and her role as a character, and as so much more.
Mental Dissonance and Akio Ohtori
written by: mistspinner
A short and sweet reflection on Akio's nature, by someone who doesn't actually like him! (Oh, so like a Devil's advocate thing? Yes, exactly!) It includes a shout-out to content on Empty Movement, which is pretty awesome.
To Make An Omelette You Have To Crack Some Eggs:Nanami's Misadventures in Adolescence and Family Matters
written by: Clarice
An in-depth and fascinating look at Nanami, her struggles with growing up her brother's sister, her symbols, her future, and her own version of growing up.
An overview of the character of Himemiya Anthy, past, present, and future, using direct quotes from the series.
A long time ago, I wrote an essay titled 'Akio Ohtori in Bed'. This is its spiritual successor, an exploratory analysis of Akio's sexuality: where it started, why, how he uses it, and what it means in a larger sense. Mostly, I like talking about the ol' in out, in out.Note: This essay discusses sexual themes in depth, including issues relating to lack of consent.
Revolutionary Girl Utena doesn't save the complexity for the major characters! This is an excellent examination of Kozue, one of those characters the show makes it temptingly easy to misunderstand, and extremely rewarding not to.
A detailed and impressive explanation of the very misunderstood Shiori, by our dear Razara. Hurrah!
Thoughts on the Pigtailed One
written by: Blade
Keiko's motives are never examined in-depth in the show, and here Blade does an excellent job dissecting them. Here's to pigtails! ( And then, visit Blade's site!) Line by line analysis of the Juri-centered episodes of the Akio Arc (28 and 29), with focus on the short-lived character of Ruka.
Wakaba is Revolutionary Girl Utena's token 'normal' girl. Except for her taste in men, which is tragic. This essay analyzes the whats and whys of her attraction to Saionji.
I'm of the camp of Revolutionary Girl Utena fans that believes Anthy is far from the victim character people often make her out to be. This essay goes over a few of Anthy's nastier moments in the series that folks tend to miss.
Note: So at one point, this essay was a meme on the Tumblrs? I have to say I'm pretty proud of that! My opinions haven't changed too drastically since I wrote this, but it's worth remembering that this essay is over a decade old. Actually more than that. Someone that's read it is younger than the essay itself. WHOA.
|
