Yuri is the "shrinking violet" of the game because of her constant apologetic nature and shyness to discussions beyond her category of interest, such as literature, horror, and general surrealism, which she examines and articulates expertly and encourages others to follow as well. Yuri prefers poetry that uses metaphorical symbolism and enjoys collecting unusual ornate knives.

It is said that Yuri used to be bullied for her appearance and mannerisms, which may be another explanation as to why she secludes herself. She is, however, a generous person, exemplified by her giving a copy of "Portrait of Markov" to the protagonist and for bringing tea to the literature club to help sooth the mind and help stay focused during reading.

Later in the game, Monika amplifies Yuri's personality traits. This causes her to have a sanity slippage that results in an abnormal obsession with the protagonist and her already-existing hobbies becoming more of perverted detailing and self-destruction. It reaches a point where Yuri stabs herself to death after her confession and the response after from feeling either too excited or from not handling the rejection well.