Sawada is the "leader" not only of class 2-D/3-D, but his entire grade (the juniors in the anime and manga, and the seniors in the drama). Because of this, he is usually "in the know" about the goings-on of the school. Although he is easily the smartest and most skilled fighter of his class, he is very much the stoic type. Before Kumiko came along, he was often late to class if he bothered to go at all. Even after she begins teaching he still tends to sleep through his classes. He often spends time lazing about on the roof of the school.

Although outwardly apathetic, Sawada cares deeply for his friends and will not think twice about putting himself in the line of fire for them. He can be pretty quick to anger if those he cares about are threatened. He – like his classmates – has a deep mistrust of adults, especially teachers. In the drama, he is a bit more emotional than his other incarnations and is almost as prone to giving speeches as Kumiko is, though his are reserved for critical situations only.