Saionji has more problems with his ego than just Utena. He was a close childhood friend of Touga's, but that friendship is strained to the breaking point during the series. Saionji is jealous of Touga. He hates Touga for being chivalrous, for always being the hero, and for always making Saionji come in second. Saionji's attraction to Anthy stems from the fact that he wants to be her prince, and to unleash the power of Dios and show her "something eternal." He is also jealous of Utena, because Utena turns out to be Anthy's prince. If Saionji wants to be chivalrous, and Anthy's prince, he certainly doesn't know how to go about it. While they were engaged, he beat her and abused her. In contrast, he wrote romantic confessions of love in their exchange diary. Saionji was taking a few steps in the right direction, but his need to possess the Rose Bride outweighed his afterthoughts of bring affectionate towards her. Later in the series, Saionji reveals a repressed, softer side. After flying into a violent rage against Utena and Touga causes Saionji to be expelled, he rooms with Wakaba and becomes enamored of her. Or at least seems to. He puts great effort into making a leaf pin for her hair (how romantic!), but ends up giving it to Anthy instead. This is because Mikage offers to give Saionji re-admittance to Ohtori, provided he dumps Wakaba and continues to fight for Anthy. Saionji, of course, gives in to Mikage's demands, completely crushing Wakaba's feelings. So, who's the real jerk here - Saionji, Mikage, or both?

Despite the exceptions, Saionji's personality remains controlling, aggressive, and moody. Underneath all that, however, is a gentler man who just wants a chance to be the handsome prince for once. It's too bad that even though Saionji gets his chances - with Anthy, and with Wakaba - he can never overcome his own faults enought to become the prince he wants to be.

BTW: The heading of this page ("Nice skirt, Saionji,") refers to a joke that Utena makes in the English dub. The outfit of a Kendo team members looks an awful lot like a skirt . . . complete with a bow in front . . . how manly. Doesn't it suit Saionji perfectly?