Who is Serena Joy Waterford in The Handmaid's Tale?

The Commander's wife · The Waterford household

Serena Joy Waterford (The Commander's wife) is a character in The Handmaid's Tale, part of The Waterford household. Co-author of Gilead's ideology, now caged by it — and desperate for the child it promised her.

When does Serena Joy Waterford first appear?

Serena Joy Waterford first appears in Season 1, Episode 1 (“Offred”) of The Handmaid's Tale (2017–2025, Hulu).

Who is Serena Joy Waterford connected to?

Relationships already established when Serena Joy Waterford first appears — nothing from later episodes.

• June Osborne — Captive & mistress, forever entangled
• Fred Waterford — Co-founders of their own prison
• Rita Blue — Servant — until she testified

Which group does Serena Joy Waterford belong to?

By the time Serena Joy Waterford appears, The Waterford household also includes Fred Waterford, Nick Blaine, Rita Blue.

Who else is introduced in this episode?

• June Osborne — Offred
• Janine Lindo — Ofwarren
• Emily Malek — Ofglen
• Moira Strand — June's best friend
• Luke Bankole — June's husband
• Fred Waterford — The Commander
• Nick Blaine — Driver & Eye
• Rita Blue — The Waterfords' Martha
• Aunt Lydia — Mistress of the handmaids

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