Kei Karuizawa

Kei Karuizawa is a prominent student in Class D (later Class C in higher years) at the Advanced Nurturing High School in the Classroom of the Elite anime.

In the anime's portrayal (especially Seasons 1–3), she initially comes across as a typical popular gyaru-type girl: outgoing, somewhat bossy and self-centered, fashionable, and the unofficial leader among the girls in her class. She dates the class's de facto leader Yosuke Hirata early on, projecting a confident, carefree image while often acting spoiled or materialistic (like quickly spending her points).

Her appearance features long blonde hair usually tied in a ponytail, purple eyes, average height, and she wears her uniform with a casual flair (like a blue ribbon and sometimes layering a light blue shirt under her blazer).

As the story progresses (particularly in Season 2), she receives more focus and depth, revealing a more vulnerable side shaped by a traumatic past of severe bullying, which leads her to adopt a defensive, self-protective persona to avoid being targeted again. This makes her relationship with the protagonist Kiyotaka Ayanokouji especially significant, as he becomes aware of her hidden struggles.

Overall, the anime shows her evolving from a seemingly shallow "queen bee" archetype into a more layered character with genuine insecurities, loyalty, and growth.