Even though Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale is decades old, it is even more relevant today than when it was written in 1985, at a time when women still had guaranteed federal rights before the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. In bringing it to the screen with the help of an exceptional cast, Bruce Miller has definitely mirrored certain aspects of present society, and when season five of Handmaid's Tale is released (likely in 2023), it will surely tackle some of these terrifying recent issues.
This particular series might have a group of characters that take the frontline in the story, but there are some equally important supporting characters that contribute immensely to the plot whilst playing their role in the shadows. Thus, in advance of the fifth season and to catch audiences up, here is a list of great supporting characters whose impact to the story is often just as important as the characters who are constantly highlighted.
Luke Bankole
Luke Bankole is the husband of our protagonist, June Osburne. As the series begins, the audience is made to believe that Luke is killed when he, June, and their daughter Hannah attempts to escape from Gilead authorities. However, later on in the show it is revealed that Luke is actually alive and has sought asylum in Canada, from where he is also fighting to help other victims of Gilead to save themselves whilst looking for June and Hannah.
What makes Luke's character interesting is that he is portrayed as the perfect and a simple husband and father since he never gives up on June and Hannah. However, as the show takes us back to his past, it is revealed that Luke cheated on his previous wife, Annie, with June and divorced her to marry June, in turn, making him as complex as other characters. Luke is played by O. T. Fagbenle (from Black Widow), and the actor has definitely enhanced the character's depth by illustrating the variations of his emotions and mental state.
Commander Joseph Lawrence
Played by the great Bradley Whitford, this character does not enter the series until season two. Commander Joseph Lawrence is an extremely confusing character, as he is "nice" enough to help the handmaids and Marthas escape Gilead but is also rude enough to boss around and scold the Marthas and the handmaids. It is revealed that Commander Lawrence is the mastermind behind Gilead's economy and the Colonies. However, following the establishment of this gruesome society, Lawrence was perhaps burdened by guilt, which might be a reason why he helps June and other Marthas, handmaids, and children. He also avoids engaging in the ceremony until he was forced to do it in the episode "Witness."
Rita Blue
Rita is the Martha of the Waterford house and enters the series as someone who does her chores and work as told. Initially, she seems like a character who tries to stay away from trouble and is not as friendly as one expects an ally to be. However, the series reveals that Rita is someone with a big heart who cares immensely about those important to her. Her sisterly relationship with June is definitely one significant bond, as she not only helps June but also cares deeply about her which is revealed through the way in which she treats June and Nick's daughter, Nichole, with motherly instincts. Additionally, Rita's bond with Serena is also quite important. The way in which she does not seem to hate her and even goes to the extent of wishing her on her pregnancy indicates how pure this character is. Throughout the story her motherly nature is heavily but subtly emphasized.
It can perhaps be argued that Rita is a character who suppresses her emotions and feelings to ensure she does not break any rules. This is perfectly captured by Amanda Brugel when she portrays how Rita enjoys her first meal of freedom after her escape from Gilead. Rita's new life might indicate the juxtaposition between Gilead's dominant authority and the freedom gained by escaping its borders.
Moira Strand
Yet another complex character with many twists and turns, Moira, played by Samira Wiley, is June's best friend since college, and also Hannah's (June's firstborn) godmother. Moira is shown as a strong headed character and someone who is not afraid. Thus, she attempts to escape from the red center in season one. What is interesting about this specific incident is that she leaves June, who gets captured by the Gilead authorities, and takes the train. This might portray her as someone selfish, but she redeems herself when she fights for June and rescues her later in the series.
Following her prison-like escape attempt and recapture, Moira is placed at Jezebel and is renamed Ruby. By this time it seems that she has given up until she meets June again. Moira's willpower seems to be restored following the two friends' interaction but yet again, it is revealed that Gilead has affected her immensely that following her escape to Canada she starts to have an identity crisis. Moira is also an activist who fights for the people who are under Gilead's domination. Her character's strength is one key contribution to the story as it can act as a safety blanket during certain situations.
Nick Blaine
Played by Max Minghella, Nick Blaine might be the heartthrob of the story. However, it isn't just his good looks that attract the viewers to this character. Rather, what makes Nick fascinating is the way in which he cares and loves June. He is also the father of June's second child. The subtle showcase of his affections might be the only positive thing that June has whilst under the Waterford's roof.
Nick's character is also a complex one. Unlike other characters, Nick becomes a driver and works for the Gilead by his own choice. Yet again, his background also opens up the argument that it might have been the only choice Nick had, since he was the primary caretaker of his family and was finding it difficult to get employed. At the beginning of the series it is unclear where Nick's alliegance lies. However, as the story progresses it is revealed that Nick is increasingly disturbed by Gilead's rules and regulations.
At the present stage of the series, Nick is a commander in Gilead but is still very much in love with June. It is obvious that the feelings are reciprocated. However, unbeknownst to June, Nick is now married. The question remains whether June and Nick will be able to rejoin together. Their relationship is definitely something interesting to look forward to in the upcoming season.
Janine Lindo
Janine is played by Madeline Brewer and is a character that has a sudden shift. Janine "enters" the red center as a rebellious character that speaks back to Aunt Lydia. This ends up causing her to lose one of her eyes as a punishment. Thus, she is "tamed" and becomes a very childlike handmaid which might be a suggestion of her mental health deterioration.
There are many factors that make Janine interesting. One factor is her relationship with Aunt Lydia. As the story progresses, there are many situations where Janine seems to be Aunt Lydia's favorite as the latter treats her with kindness and in a motherly nature. Janine's love towards her second-born, who is an outcome of the horrifying ritual called 'the ceremony,' and the way she saves the baby indicates her maturity as a mother which juxtaposes with her childlike nature. Janine comes from a harsh past and her character is used to reflect on the harsh reality of abortion rights. As Janine looks for abortion centers we see that she ends up in a "center" that feeds her misinformation about abortion in order to prevent her from undergoing it. It is revealed that it was, in fact, an anti-abortion crisis centre that is there to stop women from using their reproductive rights. Brewer tells The Hollywood Reporter that:
The scene felt heavy because it felt important, to me, for people to hear what women who are seeking an abortion go through; the ways that they are manipulated.
Thus, her character is a crucial incorporation to the story, and helps prove that the supporting characters in The Handmaid's Tale make the show so much better.