Main Characters and Their Roles
Offred: The Resilient Protagonist
Offred, the main character and narrator of The Handmaid's Tale, embodies the complex struggle of maintaining individuality under oppression. As a Handmaid, she is ostensibly submissive to the regime, yet engages in small acts of rebellion that reveal her inner strength and desire for freedom.
Example: Offred's rebellious acts include making eye contact with a Guardian, engaging in a sexual relationship with Nick, and agreeing to visit a club with the Commander.
Her character arc is driven by a longing for freedom and reunion with her family, showcasing the human spirit's resilience in the face of totalitarian control.
Moira: Symbol of Resistance and Hope
Moira, Offred's best friend, serves as a beacon of hope and a symbol of unyielding resistance against Gilead's oppressive regime. Her tenacious spirit is evident in her repeated escape attempts from the Red Center.
Quote: "She is never willing to concede her freedom."
However, Moira's eventual breakdown and her role at Jezebel's illustrate the regime's brutal efficiency in breaking even the strongest wills.
The Commander: Power and Naivety
The Commander, as the head of the household, wields significant power within Gilead's hierarchy. Yet, his character reveals a surprising naivety, particularly in his attempts to make Offred's life more bearable.
Highlight: The Commander's secret affairs with Handmaids and his invitation for Offred to dress provocatively and visit a club expose the hypocrisy within Gilead's leadership and the distorted nature of male-female relationships in this society.