Offred's Relationship with Serena

The Handmaid's Tale

The complex emotions between Offred and Serena Joy, including envy, guilt, and hatred.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Initial Hatred Initial Hatred from "The Handmaid's Tale". Initial Hatred The First Meeting Serena is cold and hostile. Offred hates her for her part in the regime. She resents her power.

Initial Hatred from "The Handmaid's Tale". Initial Hatred The First Meeting Serena is cold and hostile. Offred hates her for her part in the regime. She resents her power.

Initial Hatred The First Meeting Serena is cold and hostile. Offred hates her for her part in the regime. She resents her power. The Ceremony During the Ceremony, Serena grips Offred's hands. Offred feels her hatred. The physical contact is a reminder of their roles. The Envy Offred envies Serena's position, even though it is empty. She is jealous of her marriage to the Commander.

Guilt and Collusion Guilt and Collusion from "The Handmaid's Tale". Guilt and Collusion The Affair Offred feels guilty for her affair with the Commander. She is taking something from Serena. She feels like an intruder.

Guilt and Collusion from "The Handmaid's Tale". Guilt and Collusion The Affair Offred feels guilty for her affair with the Commander. She is taking something from Serena. She feels like an intruder.

Guilt and Collusion The Affair Offred feels guilty for her affair with the Commander. She is taking something from Serena. She feels like an intruder. The Plot Serena proposes the plan with Nick. They become allies. Offred feels a strange camaraderie. She also feels guilty for deceiving her. The Power Offred enjoys the power over Serena. She knows something Serena doesn't. The relationship is a web of deceit.

Betrayal and End Betrayal and End from "The Handmaid's Tale". Betrayal and End The Discovery Serena finds out about Offred's betrayal. She calls her a slut. Offred feels no remorse.

Betrayal and End from "The Handmaid's Tale". Betrayal and End The Discovery Serena finds out about Offred's betrayal. She calls her a slut. Offred feels no remorse.

Betrayal and End The Discovery Serena finds out about Offred's betrayal. She calls her a slut. Offred feels no remorse. The Confrontation Serena sends Offred to her room. Offred is taken away. Their relationship ends in mutual destruction. The Aftermath Offred never knows what happens to Serena. She imagines her alone, bitter. The hatred has run its course.

Offred's arrival

mid-summer

near the ending