Rahman 1
Adikkya Rahman
Ms. Hayman
English 2
February 8, 2023
Serena Joy’s Character Sketch
Characters and their development, in most cases, are essential to a story. The Handmaid’s
Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is a dystopian novel that excels at describing and developing its
characters, especially during the introduction of Serena Joy. In Chapter 2, she is known as the
“Commander’s Wife” which would be a temporary title until Chapter 3, where the reader gets a
deeper insight into Serena Joy’s character. In this chapter, Serena Joy is portrayed through the
eyes of Offred, who is the narrator and handmaid.
Serena Joy is described as a woman of refinement and elegance. Offred notes that Serena
Joy always dresses neatly, wears a diamond ring, and has a "fine, superior quality to her clothes."
The descriptions suggest that Serena Joy is a well-groomed woman who pays attention to her
appearance. She has blonde hair and her eyes are complimentary to her appearance; sharp and
elegant, “the flat hostile blue of a midsummer sky in bright sunlight” (15). This, however, is a
contrast to the rest of her physical features. Serena has thin lips, a scrunched-up face that’s
clenched like a fist, tired-looking eyelids, and plucked brows which makes her seem angry or
startled. Furthermore, Offred observes that she is arthritic, “...with her left foot on the footstool
because of her arthritis.” (13) This explains why Serena tends to limp around, as well as use a
cane. In addition to her refined appearance, Serena Joy is also portrayed as a gardener, smoker,
and skilled seamstress. She is seen smoking a cigarette, which, in their oppressive world, is
banned, indicating her rebellious streak. The presence of a pin cushion and needles in the room,
Adikkya Rahman
Ms. Hayman
English 2
February 8, 2023
Serena Joy’s Character Sketch
Characters and their development, in most cases, are essential to a story. The Handmaid’s
Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is a dystopian novel that excels at describing and developing its
characters, especially during the introduction of Serena Joy. In Chapter 2, she is known as the
“Commander’s Wife” which would be a temporary title until Chapter 3, where the reader gets a
deeper insight into Serena Joy’s character. In this chapter, Serena Joy is portrayed through the
eyes of Offred, who is the narrator and handmaid.
Serena Joy is described as a woman of refinement and elegance. Offred notes that Serena
Joy always dresses neatly, wears a diamond ring, and has a "fine, superior quality to her clothes."
The descriptions suggest that Serena Joy is a well-groomed woman who pays attention to her
appearance. She has blonde hair and her eyes are complimentary to her appearance; sharp and
elegant, “the flat hostile blue of a midsummer sky in bright sunlight” (15). This, however, is a
contrast to the rest of her physical features. Serena has thin lips, a scrunched-up face that’s
clenched like a fist, tired-looking eyelids, and plucked brows which makes her seem angry or
startled. Furthermore, Offred observes that she is arthritic, “...with her left foot on the footstool
because of her arthritis.” (13) This explains why Serena tends to limp around, as well as use a
cane. In addition to her refined appearance, Serena Joy is also portrayed as a gardener, smoker,
and skilled seamstress. She is seen smoking a cigarette, which, in their oppressive world, is
banned, indicating her rebellious streak. The presence of a pin cushion and needles in the room,
