The Commander's Downfall

The Commander's rise and fall, as hinted in the historical notes.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Architect of Gilead

The Architect of Gilead The Think Tank According to the historical notes, the Commander (likely Waterford) was a participant in the Sons of Jacob think tanks. He designed the Handmaids' red costumes and the term Particicution. The Market Researcher He had a background in market research. He was responsible for the packaging of Gilead's ideology. He was a man of considerable ingenuity. The Childless Man Like many Commanders, he was childless. He needed a Handmaid to produce an heir. His sterility may have been caused by a virus.

The Secret Life

The Secret Life The Study The Commander keeps a secret study with books, magazines, and a Scrabble game. He invites Offred to play, breaking the rules. He enjoys the transgression. The Affair He has a clandestine relationship with Offred, giving her gifts and taking her to Jezebel's. He is lonely and seeks intimacy. The Risk His behavior puts him at risk. He is accused of liberal tendencies and harboring a subversive. His downfall is imminent.

The Purge

The Purge The Trial The Commander is purged soon after Offred's departure. He is accused of possessing heretical materials and harboring a subversive. His trial is televised. The Execution He is likely executed. His hair is gray, as seen in the satellite footage. He joins the ranks of the early Gilead Commanders who were purged. The Legacy The Commander's fate shows the instability of power in Gilead. Even the architects can become victims. His story is a cautionary tale.

before the narrative, during the Sons of Jacob think tanks

during the narrative present

after the narrative, according to historical notes