The Fate of Ofkyle (Crystal)

The Handmaid Ofkyle, who dies in childbirth, becomes a symbol of the system's cruelty and a catalyst for Agnes's empathy.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Arrival as a Handmaid

A New Presence The Silent Figure Paula brings a Handmaid named Ofkyle into the household. Agnes is instructed to ignore her. But Agnes is fascinated. She wonders if Ofkyle could be her biological mother. She sneaks into Ofkyle's room, looking for clues, but finds nothing. The Ceremony Agnes does not witness the Ceremony, but she knows what happens. She feels a strange mix of pity and jealousy. Ofkyle is a vessel for the baby that will replace Agnes in the family's affections. The Growing Belly As Ofkyle's pregnancy progresses, the household becomes excited. Paula throws tea parties for the Wives, who come to touch the belly. Agnes watches from behind doors, seeing Ofkyle's blank face. She senses the sadness beneath the stillness.

The Birth and Death

A Tragic Birth The Screams Agnes hears the sounds of childbirth from the master bedroom. The Handmaids chant, and Ofkyle screams. There is a medical emergency. A real doctor is called, but it is too late. The baby is born alive, but Ofkyle dies from hemorrhage. The Aftermath Agnes goes to see Ofkyle's body, wrapped in a sheet. She kisses her forehead and promises not to forget her. She later finds her grave in the Handmaid cemetery, a blank stone, and searches for her name in the Bloodlines. She learns her name was Crystal. The Meaning Ofkyle's death is a turning point for Agnes. It shows her the brutal reality behind the pious rhetoric. It also strengthens her resolve to avoid becoming a Wife. The memory of Crystal stays with her, a reminder of the cost of the system.

after Paula marries Commander Kyle, when Agnes is about twelve

when Agnes is about thirteen, during the Birth Day