Karen Ayanokouji is a second-year student at Amitié High School, sharing Class 2-B with Jun'ichi Nagase. She debuted as an original character in the PlayStation 2 version of *Parallel* and later featured in the *Portable* release. Coming from considerable wealth, Karen cultivates an image of a refined lady, prioritizing etiquette, proper conduct, and maintaining appearances. Her personality embodies the "himedere" archetype, marked by pronounced arrogance, pride, and confidence. She values order and expects classmates to uphold similar standards, reacting negatively to disruptions or others diverting attention from her. Karen actively pursues the spotlight and becomes displeased when overlooked, sometimes resorting to extravagant, attention-grabbing acts that others may find absurd or foolish. Despite her self-centered tendencies, she possesses a kind heart, demonstrating genuine care and joyful support for her friends. She forms a close friendship with Yuuhi Katagiri, though she initially views Yuuhi with jealousy, particularly regarding the attention Yuuhi receives from Jun'ichi. This jealousy surfaces subtly, such as making excuses to downplay Yuuhi's connection to Jun'ichi. Over time, Karen develops romantic feelings for Jun'ichi and eventually confesses her love. Tsukasa Kiryū occasionally calls her "Ren-Ren." Socially, Karen exhibits a covertly perverse streak, often jumping to the worst or most scandalous conclusions about interactions between others, like those between Yuuhi and Jun'ichi. Her behaviors include a distinctive "Noblewoman's Laugh" and a habit of leaping to romantic assumptions. A notable attention-seeking attempt involved her staging an elaborate performance battling an octopus monster, which ended in comedic failure when Yuuhi accidentally triggered fireworks prematurely. Physically, Karen has blonde hair reaching her chest or waist, styled with ringlets, an ahoge, V-shaped bangs, and hair beads. Her eyes are blue and upturned (tsurime). She stands approximately 160 cm tall with a slim figure and pale complexion. Her typical attire is the school uniform with thigh-high stockings and ribbon accessories. Her surname "Ayanokouji" translates to "design," "small," and "street," while her given name "Karen" combines the characters for "flower" and "love."