Offred- She is the narrator of the novel. However, Offred isn’t the name she is referred to as anymore. She is just known as the handmaid telling the story through her eyes. In chapter 24, she states “I am thirty-three years old. I have brown hair. I stand five seven without shoes. I have trouble remembering what I used to look like.” The narrator doesn’t give off much information about herself, mostly because she cant remember how she was before Gilead. Offred does give off little bits of her personality as the novel continues. For example, she is a bit defiant, but in a more subtle way. In chapter 4, she gives the Guardian eye contact even though that is forbidden.
Serena Joy- She is the commander’s wife. Serena used to be on a daily gospel show back before Gilaed. Before Gilaed, her name actually was Pam. She is a very intimidating person and is very protective over the Commander. She states several times in the first few chapters that the Commander doesn’t love Offred.
The Commander- He is whom Offred serves as a handmaid to. The Commander is actually a very soft man who craves feminine companionship. He likes reading books and talking with the narrator. Eventually, the narrator and him have an affair.
Nick- He is a mystery, according to the narrator. He always acts to casual and not like the servant he is. He winks at her when she walks by, tries to touch her feet at ceremonies, and even kisses her later on.
Luke- he is a distant memory of the past to Offred. They used to be married, but he ran away and Offred hoped that he is alive somewhere. When she was with Luke, things were ordinary. They slept together, watched television, and read the newspaper.
Aunt Lydia- She is the voice of Gilead. Aunt Lydia acts as the mentor that the narrator hears in her head over and over repeating rules.
Ofglen- She is the narrator’s partner. She is devout and very quiet. Ofglen has brown eyes and is plump. She is a “true believer” in the republic.
Rita- She is one of the two Marthas assigned to the Commander's household. She is in of cooking. Rita is strict and frowns at the narrator when she first meets her.
Cora- She is one of the two Marthas assigned to the Commander's household. She is in charge of cleaning and household chores. She treats the narrator with more kindness than many of the other characters.
Moira- She is the narrator’s only friend that survived the Puritans overtaking life. Moira is a unique character. She is extremely rebellious and is a lesbian. Moira attemps to excape the center several times, even after being beaten when she was caught in the act. She doesn’t let go of the olf world. She is the image of rebellion and freedom. However, by the end of the book, she does end up being brainwashed when she starts working at Jezebel’s.
Janine- She is a woman at the center that Offred used to attend. She sucked up to the Aunts there by yelling her confessions and acting extra devout. Janine has become pregnant multiple times, but everytime, the baby is either miscarried or lost at infancy. She is an example of pity in the novel. The audience is led to feel bad for her because of what Gilead has caused her.
Narrator’s mother- Through the mother, we get a feel for how Offred used to be. She used to be a feminist that stood up for woman’s rights. This is ironic because now, she barely even sticks up for herself.
Serena Joy- She is the commander’s wife. Serena used to be on a daily gospel show back before Gilaed. Before Gilaed, her name actually was Pam. She is a very intimidating person and is very protective over the Commander. She states several times in the first few chapters that the Commander doesn’t love Offred.
The Commander- He is whom Offred serves as a handmaid to. The Commander is actually a very soft man who craves feminine companionship. He likes reading books and talking with the narrator. Eventually, the narrator and him have an affair.
Nick- He is a mystery, according to the narrator. He always acts to casual and not like the servant he is. He winks at her when she walks by, tries to touch her feet at ceremonies, and even kisses her later on.
Luke- he is a distant memory of the past to Offred. They used to be married, but he ran away and Offred hoped that he is alive somewhere. When she was with Luke, things were ordinary. They slept together, watched television, and read the newspaper.
Aunt Lydia- She is the voice of Gilead. Aunt Lydia acts as the mentor that the narrator hears in her head over and over repeating rules.
Ofglen- She is the narrator’s partner. She is devout and very quiet. Ofglen has brown eyes and is plump. She is a “true believer” in the republic.
Rita- She is one of the two Marthas assigned to the Commander's household. She is in of cooking. Rita is strict and frowns at the narrator when she first meets her.
Cora- She is one of the two Marthas assigned to the Commander's household. She is in charge of cleaning and household chores. She treats the narrator with more kindness than many of the other characters.
Moira- She is the narrator’s only friend that survived the Puritans overtaking life. Moira is a unique character. She is extremely rebellious and is a lesbian. Moira attemps to excape the center several times, even after being beaten when she was caught in the act. She doesn’t let go of the olf world. She is the image of rebellion and freedom. However, by the end of the book, she does end up being brainwashed when she starts working at Jezebel’s.
Janine- She is a woman at the center that Offred used to attend. She sucked up to the Aunts there by yelling her confessions and acting extra devout. Janine has become pregnant multiple times, but everytime, the baby is either miscarried or lost at infancy. She is an example of pity in the novel. The audience is led to feel bad for her because of what Gilead has caused her.
Narrator’s mother- Through the mother, we get a feel for how Offred used to be. She used to be a feminist that stood up for woman’s rights. This is ironic because now, she barely even sticks up for herself.