List of The Handmaid's Tale characters
The Handmaid's Tale is an American dystopian drama web television series created for Hulu by Bruce Miller, based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood. The plot follows a dystopian future following a Second American Civil War wherein a totalitarian society subjects fertile women, called "Handmaids", into child-bearing servitude.[1] The first three episodes of the series premiered on April 26, 2017; the subsequent seven episodes aired on a weekly basis every Wednesday. In May 2017, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on April 25, 2018.[2] The series features an ensemble cast including Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Alexis Bledel, Madeline Brewer, Ann Dowd, O. T. Fagbenle, Max Minghella and Samira Wiley. Amanda Brugel had a recurring role in the first season before being promoted to the main cast for the second.
This list includes the series' main cast, all guest stars deemed to have had recurring roles throughout the series, and any other guest who is otherwise notable.
Overview
| Character | Portrayed by | Season | Count | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| Main | ||||||
| June Osborne | Elisabeth Moss | Main | 36 | |||
| Commander Fred Waterford | Joseph Fiennes | Main | 29 | |||
| Serena Joy Waterford | Yvonne Strahovski | Main | 31 | |||
| Dr. Emily Malek | Alexis Bledel | Main | 16 | |||
| Janine Lindo | Madeline Brewer | Main | 24 | |||
| Aunt Lydia | Ann Dowd | Main | 29 | |||
| Lucas "Luke" Bankole | O. T. Fagbenle | Main | 21 | |||
| Commander Nick Blaine | Max Minghella | Main | 24 | |||
| Moira Strand | Samira Wiley | Main | 18 | |||
| Rita | Amanda Brugel | Recurring | Main | 26 | ||
| Commander Joseph Lawrence | Bradley Whitford | Recurring | Main | 13 | ||
| Mark Tuello | Sam Jaeger | Guest | Recurring | Main[3] | 5 | |
| Recurring | ||||||
| Commander Warren Putnam | Stephen Kunken | Recurring | TBA | 13 | ||
| Naomi Putnam | Ever Carradine | Recurring | TBA | 12 | ||
| Lillie Fuller | Tattiawna Jones | Recurring | TBA | 9 | ||
| Hannah Bankole | Jordana Blake | Recurring | TBA | 8 | ||
| Alma | Nina Kiri | Recurring | TBA | 23 | ||
| Dolores | Jenessa Grant | Recurring | Guest | TBA | 11 | |
| Brianna | Bahia Watson | Recurring | TBA | 19 | ||
| Beth | Kristen Gutoskie | Recurring | Recurring | TBA | 9 | |
| Erin | Erin Way | Guest | Recurring | Guest | TBA | 4 |
| Eden Spencer | Sydney Sweeney | Recurring | TBA | 7 | ||
| Commander Ray Cushing | Greg Bryk | Recurring | TBA | 3 | ||
| Holly Maddox | Cherry Jones | Recurring | Guest | TBA | 3 | |
| Eleanor Lawrence | Julie Dretzin | Recurring | TBA | 8 | ||
| Sylvia | Clea DuVall | Guest | Recurring | TBA | 4 | |
| Natalie | Ashleigh LaThrop | Recurring | TBA | 7 | ||
| Sienna | Sugenja Sri | Recurring | TBA | 6 | ||
| Commander George Winslow | Christopher Meloni | Recurring | TBA | 4 | ||
| Olivia Winslow | Elizabeth Reaser | Recurring | TBA | 3 | ||
| Mrs. Keyes | Mckenna Grace | Recurring[3] | 0 | |||
| TBA | Zawe Ashton | Recurring[4] | 0 | |||
| TBA | Reed Birney | Recurring[4] | 0 | |||
Main characters
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June Osborne
June Osborne (portrayed by Elisabeth Moss) is a woman who was captured while attempting to escape to Canada with her husband, Luke, and daughter, Hannah. Due to her fertility, she is made a Handmaid to Commander Fred Waterford and his wife, Serena Joy, and is named "Offred".
Moss was first announced as the lead actress in April 2016.[5]
Commander Fred Waterford
Commander Fred Waterford (portrayed by Joseph Fiennes) is a high-ranking government official, chief diplomatic and Offred's master. Both he and his wife played an instrumental role in Gilead's founding. He wishes to have more contact with June outside of what is lawful between a Handmaid and her master, and starts inviting her to play nightly games of Scrabble. He shows a dissimulating kind personality, often seeming a victim of Gilead, but is cruel and aggressive. He also was responsible for the instauration of Gilead, being one of the leaders of the Sons of Jacob. After Commander Pryce's death he becomes the head of the Council, the Govern of Gilead. This role is comparable to a Prime Minister.
Fiennes joined the cast in August 2016.[6]
Serena Joy Waterford
Serena Joy Waterford (portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski) is Fred's wife and a former conservative cultural activist and author of a controversial book, A Woman's Place, which advocates women as second-class citizens who exist merely to be obedient and submissive housewives and mothers, rather than be independent of their menfolk and pursuing careers. She appears to have accepted her new role in the Gilead society that she helped create. She is poised and deeply religious, but is capable of great cruelty and is often callous to June. She is desperate to become a mother, but most men are sterile. Showrunners have said we will see that Serena is actually fertile. Although a friend of Commander Cushing, she denounces him fearing his heavy response to the bombing and his semi-dictatorial power.
Strahovski joined the cast in August 2016.[7]
Emily Malek
Emily (portrayed by Alexis Bledel), also referred to as Ofglen and later Ofsteven, is June's shopping partner. Although June is initially wary of her, it is revealed Ofglen is not as pious as she seems and the two become friends. Ofglen had a wife and son and was a university lecturer in cellular biology. Although homosexuality is punishable by death in Gilead and most university professors are sent to labour camps, Ofglen was spared and made a Handmaid due to her fertility. She is later captured and cruelly punished for her homosexual relationship with a Martha and is assigned to another household where she becomes "Ofsteven.” She is involved with a resistance movement called "Mayday.” In season 3 we witness Emily's post traumatic struggles as she escapes Gilead and is reunited with her wife and son in Canada.
Bledel was cast in January 2017.[8]
Janine Lindo
Janine (portrayed by Madeline Brewer) is a Handmaid who entered the Red Center for training at the same time as June. She considers June a friend because of her kind treatment. During training, Janine's right eye is removed as a punishment for her initial non-compliance. She reveals a past rape during training and the other Handmaids are forced to tell Janine the abuse was her fault, causing her great emotional harm. She becomes mentally unstable due to her mistreatment and often behaves in temperamental or childlike ways. She is assigned to Warren and Naomi Putnam and becomes “Ofwarren.” She eventually gives birth to a baby girl the Putnams name "Angela,” though Janine insists the baby's name is "Charlotte.” Janine is later reassigned and becomes "Ofdaniel.” She was temporarily assigned to the Colonies until a bombing at the new Rachel and Leah Center.
Brewer was cast as Janine in August 2016.[9]
Aunt Lydia
Aunt Lydia (portrayed by Ann Dowd) is in charge of overseeing the Handmaids in their training, sexual reeducation, and duties. She is brutal and subjects insubordinate Handmaids to harsh physical punishment, but she also cares for her charges and believes deeply in the Gileadean mission and doctrine. She appears to have a soft spot for Janine, and even goes so far as to address her by her given name on occasion. She was heavily injured in Season 2. In Season 3, it was revealed in a flashback that her real name is Lydia Clements, and she was an elementary school teacher who taught fourth grade.
Dowd was cast in July 2016.[10]
Luke Bankole
Lucas "Luke" Bankole (portrayed by O. T. Fagbenle) is June's husband from before Gilead. Because he is divorced (he and June began their relationship before his divorce from his first wife), their union is considered invalid in the new society. June is considered an adulteress and their daughter, Hannah, is considered illegitimate. Initially June believes he has been killed, but it is later revealed Luke managed to escape to Canada.
Fagbenle was cast in September 2016.[11]
Nick Blaine
Nick Blaine (portrayed by Max Minghella) is Commander Waterford's driver and a former drifter from Michigan who has feelings for June. June and Nick develop an intimate relationship and she eventually discovers that he is an Eye, a spy for Gilead. He carries a high rank with the Eyes, even ordering a Guardian to let off his gun. His direct superior is Commander Pryce, head of Security, who wants him to "control Waterford" in prevision of further purges of Gilead. He passes then to the leadership of Cushing, which starts a brief authoritarian regime, and then Warren Putnam.
Minghella was cast in July 2016.[10]
Moira
Moira (portrayed by Samira Wiley), also referred to as Ruby, is June's best friend since college. She is already at the Red Center when June enters Handmaid training but escapes before being assigned to a home. She is recaptured and becomes "Ruby", a Jezebel. She seems to have given up hope of ever being free, but on meeting June again regains the conviction to escape.
Rita
Rita (portrayed by Amanda Brugel) is a Martha at the Waterford home. She had a son who died fighting in the Civil War when he was 19 years old. Rita is part of the resistance and helped June escape with baby Nicole at the end of season 2.
Brugel was cast in the recurring role of Rita in September 2016.[14] In August 2017, she was promoted to the main cast for the second season.[15]
Commander Joseph Lawrence
Commander Joseph Lawrence (portrayed by Bradley Whitford) is considered the "architect of Gilead's economy,"[16] and the creator of the Colonies, as well a gruff and intimidating man with a disheveled mad genius vibe. His sly humor and flashes of kindness make him a confusing, mysterious presence for his newest Handmaid. He shows regrets for his past and could be a member of the Mayday resistance.
Whitford joined the recurring cast in February 2018.[17] He was promoted to the main cast for the third season in October 2018.[18]
Recurring characters
The following is a list of guest characters that have recurring roles throughout the series.
Introduced in season 1
- Commander Warren Putnam (portrayed by Stephen Kunken) is a Commander in the Republic of Gilead. He's the husband of Naomi Putnam and the first known Commander of Janine (Ofwarren). He had his left hand amputated by the Council after being found guilty of adultery. He later becomes the right hand of Waterford in the Council itself, and the head of Security after the arrest of Cushing, who had enstablished a semidictatorial regime too violent and exclusive for Gilead. He personally carries out Cushing's arrest "on Waterford order".
- Naomi Putnam (portrayed by Ever Carradine) is Commander Warren Putnam's wife. She views her baby largely as a status symbol and has no sympathy for the Handmaids. Carradine joined the cast in October 2016.[19]
- Lillie Fuller (portrayed by Tattiawna Jones), also referred to as Ofglen, is a woman who replaces Emily in the position after Emily is captured by the Eyes. She initially follows the rules and does not wish to upset the status quo, but this is because she believes her life as a Handmaid is better than the difficult, impoverished life she led prior to Gilead, rather than out of religious piety.
- Alma (portrayed by Nina Kiri), also referred to as Ofrobert, is another Handmaid who trained at the Red Center with June, Moira, and Janine. She is frank and chatty, and often trades gossip and news with June. She is also involved with Mayday and becomes June's first contact with the resistance group.
- Dolores (portrayed by Jenessa Grant), also referred to as Ofsamuel, is a local Handmaid with a friendly and talkative nature.
- Briana (portrayed by Bahia Watson), also referred to as Oferic, is another local Handmaid who is friends with June.
- Hannah Bankole (portrayed by Jordana Blake) is June and Luke's daughter. She is later renamed Agnes.
- Commander Andrew Pryce (portrayed by Robert Curtis Brown). One of the architects of the Sons of Jacob movement. He is a high ranking commander who employs Nick as an Eye, and the head of Security. He gains political power very quickly, eventually becoming head of the Council (Govern) and an influent member in the Committee (Senate). He is later replaced in these roles by Cushing and Waterford, after dying in a terrorist action. He seems a faithful man but proves to be cruel and opportunist. He is also the superior of Nick and wants to "purge and clean" Gilead.
- Beth (portrayed by Kristen Gutoskie) is a Martha at Jezebel's. She has an arrangement with Nick whereby she trades illegal alcohol and other contraband for drugs, which the Jezebels use. She has a casual sexual relationship with him and is aware that he is an Eye. Beth becomes a recurring character in season three as one of the two Martha's working at the Commander Lawrence's household.
Introduced in season 2
- Eden Spencer (portrayed by Sydney Sweeney) is a pious and obedient girl who dreams of one day being a Commander's wife. Sweeney was cast in May 2017.[20]
- Commander Ray Cushing (portrayed by Greg Bryk) is a high government official who is friends with the Commanders Pryce, Waterford and Serena. Cushing, his wife and the Waterfords were friends before Gilead and used to travel together. Cushing is pointed out to replace Commander Pryce following the Rachel and Leah Center bombing, thus becoming the head of the Council (Govern) and of Security. He acts like the absolute ruler of Gilead for a while, abusing of his power, but proves to be a cruel tyrant, ordering dozens of random executions even between the other Commanders. He also questions Offred about who aided her when she tried to flee the country. Fearing the possibility of her household being targeted and angry at Cushing's heavy-handed response to the bombing, Serena forges orders from her husband to have him arrested for treason and apostasy.[21] Cushing is taken to prison "on Waterford's word" (executive order), with Waterford eventually replacing him as the head of the Council and Gilead's leader. Cushing is the only politician to enstablish a semi-dictatorial regime in Gilead, although only for few days. In fact his excessive power and authoritarism were feared by the other Commanders.
- Isaac (portrayed by Rohan Mead) is a Guardian assigned to the Waterford home.
- Eleanor Lawrence (portrayed by Julie Dretzin) is Commander Lawrence's long suffering wife.
- Mark Tuello (portrayed by Sam Jaeger) is a mysterious stranger who Serena encounters in Canada.
Guest characters
The following is a supplementary list of guest stars that appear in lesser roles, make significant cameo appearances or who receive co-starring credit over multiple appearances.
Introduced in season 1
Introduced in season 2
- Mrs. O'Conner (portrayed by Marisa Tomei) is a Commander's wife sent to the colonies as punishment for having sex with another man. Tomei was cast in January 2018.[23]
- Holly Maddox (portrayed by Cherry Jones) is June's mother, an outspoken feminist. Jones was cast in January 2018.[24]
- Sylvia (portrayed by Clea DuVall) is Emily's wife, who managed to leave the United States with their child before Gilead was installed.
- Omar (portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is a man who helps June attempt to escape. He does not return from church nor does his family.
- Dan (portrayed by John Carroll Lynch) is Emily's boss at the university where she worked.
- Annie (portrayed by Kelly Jenrette) is Luke's ex-wife, who stalked June as an attempt to make her give up on him.
- Odette Johnson (portrayed by Rebecca Rittenhouse) is the doctor who helped Moira during her surrogacy and later became her fiancée.
Introduced in season 3
- Jim (portrayed by John Ortiz) is the principal of the school where Aunt Lydia taught before Gilead.
References
- Bradley, Laura (May 2, 2018). "The Handmaid's Tale: Why Offred's Latest Heartbreak Is the Most Devastating Yet". Vanity Fair. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
In its third installment, however, the drama digs even deeper into the emotional toll Gilead has taken on everyone—both those left in what was once the United States and those who’ve made it out. The lives and dreams that each character lost to this totalitarian regime have been laid out in excruciating detail before—but this week, the show lays those losses bare with more subtlety than perhaps any other episode. ... (In richer households, handmaids do the childbearing, Wives raise the children, and Marthas do the housework. Econowives, in contrast, “have to do everything; if they can.”)
- Vilkomerson, Sara (January 14, 2018). "The Handmaid's Tale: Here's the first trailer for season 2 (and a premiere date!)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
- Andreeva, Nellie (September 17, 2020). "'The Handmaid's Tale': Mckenna Grace Joins Cast As Season 4 Production Resumes". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
- Wigler, Josh (December 11, 2020). "'The Handmaid's Tale' Boss Looks Toward Season 4 and the Endgame Beyond". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
- Petski, Denise; Andreeva, Nellie (April 29, 2016). "Elisabeth Moss To Star in Drama Series The Handmaid's Tale On Hulu". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 15, 2017.
- Prudom, Laura (August 23, 2016). "Joseph Fiennes to Star in The Handmaid's Tale for Hulu". Variety. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
- Andreeva, Nellie (August 29, 2016). "Yvonne Strahovski To Star in Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- Andreeva, Nellie (January 5, 2017). "Alexis Bledel Joins New Hulu Series The Handmaid's Tale As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- Goldberg, Lesley (August 19, 2016). "Hulu's Handmaid's Tale Adds Madeline Brewer". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- Petski, Denise (July 15, 2016). "Max Minghella & Ann Dowd Join The Handmaid's Tale Drama Series on Hulu". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- Petski, Denise (September 7, 2016). "The Handmaid's Tale Casts O-T Fagbenle; Sofia Wylie Joins Andi Mack". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- Roshanian, Arya (July 25, 2016). "Orange Is the New Black's Samira Wiley Joins Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale". Variety. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- Hipes, Patrick (July 25, 2016). "Samira Wiley Joins Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- Petski, Denise (September 28, 2016). "The Handmaid's Tale Casts Amanda Brugel; Jemar Michael Joins Dear White People". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- Stanhope, Kate (August 17, 2017). "'The Handmaid's Tale' Promotes Amanda Brugel to Series Regular (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
- Eric Tuchman (writer); Daina Reid (director) (July 4, 2018). "Postpartum". The Handmaid's Tale. Season 2. Episode 12. Hulu.
- Andreeva, Nellie (February 15, 2018). "'The Handmaid's Tale': Bradley Whitford Joins Hulu Drama Series For Season 2". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
- Nemetz, Dave (October 5, 2018). "Handmaid's Tale Ups Bradley Whitford to Series Regular for Season 3". TVLine. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- Pederson, Erik (October 27, 2016). "Ever Carradine Books Role On Handmaid's Tale; Sibo Mlambo To Recur On Teen Wolf". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- Dowling, Amber (May 24, 2017). "'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 2 Taps Sydney Sweeney (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
- Raeside, Julia (July 1, 2018). "Handmaid's Tale recap: season 2, episode 7 – Gilead strikes back". The Guardian. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
- Grady, Constance (November 28, 2017). "The Handmaid's Tale season 1, episode 7: "The Other Side" takes us out of Gilead to check in on a familiar face". Vox. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
- Moraes, Lisa de (January 14, 2018). "Marisa Tomei To Guest on Hulu's' Dystopian 'The Handmaid's Tale'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
- Heldman, Breanne L. (January 25, 2018). "The Handmaid's Tale casts Cherry Jones in key role for season 2". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 26, 2018.