The Handmaid’s Tale is based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel of the same name that focuses on a futuristic dystopian world. In this world a white supremacist and extremely patriarchal group of people called the Sons of Jacob has overthrown the US government and created a state called the Gilead where women’s rights are taken away. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, by the United States’ Supreme Court, this TV series has become quite popular as people are comparing it to the real life. Of course, the suppressions and the banning of women’s reproductive rights is just one theme the story focuses on.

The Handmaid’s Tale is an eye-opening series that allows the viewer to reconsider many things and reflect over the society. The main characters of the show, from the protagonist to the key antagonist, have so much to unpack. They have their own character arcs and developments and thus, the viewer might need some time to analyze them. What makes these key characters interesting is that regardless of whether they are good or bad, they have their own simultaneous flaws and good sides. So, here is a small guide that might help in understanding who these main characters are and what they are up to.

This article contains spoilers for The Handmaid’s Tale.

Aunt Lydia

     Hulu

Played by Ann Dowd, Aunty Lydia is a very complex character. From the beginning of The Handmaid’s Tale, the audience is made to hate her with passion simply because of the brutal punishments and the harsh manner in which she treats the handmaids. We first encounter her at the red center with the unforgettable act of punishing Janine by taking away her eye simply because she “talks back.” The series emphasis her go-to weapon, the electrocution wand; perhaps it can be said that it is a symbol of power, as it’s constantly used to “correct” the handmaids.

However, this particular character has her moments where it seems as if she regrets her acts. We see this when she cries after publicly beating Janine. Additionally, there moments where she seems to show affection to Janine. Her past also suggests that she used to be someone who was quite different, and even caring. However, a sudden shift takes place in this character that makes her an Aunt. It is debatable whether Aunt Lydia will evolve and ultimately understand her errors in the upcoming season of Handmaid’s Tale. Yet again, there is still hope for this character.

Dr. Emily Malek

     MGM Television.

A character that encounters a series of very unfortunate events, Emily Malek is played by Alexis Bledel and is someone who is used in the narrative to explore some dark themes. Initially, the character is introduced from June’s point of view as someone who is probably a handmaid adhering to the rules. However, as the story progresses we see that she is in fact the complete opposite.

Malek is someone who used to be a scholar with a happy family. However, even as a scholar she had to encounter many issues due to the homophobic attitudes in the society. As Gilead is established, she is taken away from her family (who goes to Canada) to be a body that reproduces. The themes of homophobia and female genital mutilation are explored through Malek as we see her being punished for having a relationship with a Martha by having her genitals mutilated. At the series develops, we do see her being able to escape to Canada and rekindle ties with her family. Yet again for the characters in The Handmaid’s Tale, the traumas of the past are something she cannot escape from, so there’s a lot in store for this character. That is why Alexis Bledel’s decision to depart the show brings up questions as to what will happen to Emily in season five.

Fred Waterford

     MGM Television

One of the most heinous and awful characters of the show, it is possible to claim that Fred Waterford is the main antagonist thus far. What is interesting about this character is that, at the beginning of the story, it seemed as if Fred was an empathetic person who was forced into the system. The way in which he “breaks rules” to allow June to have a bit of freedom (like inviting her to play scrabble) made it seem as if he was caring towards her. However, as the story develops, it is revealed how he’s involved with designing Gilead. Moreover, the way in which he treats his wife and considers women as mere objects brings forth his true cruel nature.

Joseph Fiennes portrays this character perfectly that he ensures the viewers are constantly confused by Fred’s true intentions. The end of season four brings in poetic justice with the now free women of Gilead, led by June Osborne, chases and brutally murders Fred. The question is, will this mean that Fiennes will not reprise his role in season five? There is still a possibility for the actor to come back through flashbacks.

Serena Joy Waterford

Serena Joy Waterford is Fred’s wife and “one of the great anti-feminist villains” in television history. A possible reason why viewers ardently hate her is because, being a woman, she is someone who ignores the sexist norms and instead, tries to establish them. This is seen through the way in which she helped create Gilead and became an ambassador for it. Serena’s character, perfectly played by Yvonne Strahovski, also portrays the way in which anti-feminists have a very negative impact in the society as they tend to support the patriarchal system.

Of course, there are instances where the viewers sympathize with this character. One such incident is when she is punished by the Gilead for reading and trying to fight for women’s right to read. Moreover, her rare alliances with June gives the viewer hope that this character can be understanding. However, every time she tries to redeem herself in the eyes of the viewer, she ends up ruining it by siding with Fred. At the end of season four we see her pregnant. So, it is obvious that this character will play a major role in season five, but it will be fascinating to see how she progresses without her husband.

June Osborne

The narrator and the protagonist of the story, June Osborne is a fighter and a character with a strong will. June’s journey as a handmaid is undeniably chaotic. The reason for this is her constant attempts to escape. However, what makes June one of the best characters in television history is her distinguishable development as well as her flaws. Usually, a heroine tends to be portrayed as flawless. Yet again, June is someone who has her own flaws. In the flashbacks, we see that she is the mistress of Luke and the reason for the ultimate end of his marriage. Moreover, at the end of season four, we see that her past traumas has made her someone filled with hatred and bitterness, which is of course understandable.

Elisabeth Moss’ performance of June is practically better than perfect. The way in which she captures June’s pain and her strength definitely helps June stand out from the rest. June is also someone who has a huge influence on other handmaids and Marthas, as she tries to execute numerous plans to help the victims of Gilead.