Offred's Fate

Traces Offred's uncertain destiny from her capture to her possible escape, as implied by the historical notes.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Capture at the Border

Capture at the Border The Failed Escape Offred, Luke, and their daughter attempt to cross the border with forged passports. They are betrayed. Luke is captured or killed. Offred is taken to the Red Center. The Separation Offred's daughter is taken from her. She is told she is dead, but later learns she is alive. The loss haunts her throughout the narrative. The New Identity Offred is renamed and trained as a Handmaid. She loses her former name, her job, her freedom. She becomes a vessel for reproduction.

Life as a Handmaid

Life as a Handmaid The Daily Routine Offred lives in the Commander's house, subject to the rules of Gilead. She shops, attends Ceremonies, and waits. She forms relationships with Ofglen, Nick, and the Commander. The Affair Offred begins an affair with Nick, which gives her a sense of life and hope. She becomes pregnant, or thinks she does. This changes her status. The Betrayal Serena Joy discovers Offred's betrayal with the Commander. Offred is taken away by the Eyes. Her fate is unknown.

Possible Escape

Possible Escape The Black Van Offred is taken by men who may be Mayday operatives. Nick tells her to go with them. She steps into the van, into darkness or light. The Historical Notes According to the symposium, the tapes were found in Bangor, Maine, a station on the Underground Femaleroad. Offred may have escaped to Canada or England. She may have been recaptured. The Unanswered Questions Offred's ultimate fate remains unknown. She may have lived a quiet life, or died. The story she tells is her legacy, a voice from the past.

before the narrative present, during the escape attempt

the narrative present

the ending of the narrative