In many novels, certain characters are useful for illustrating numerous themes and motifs, conveying the message that the author wishes to communicate. In Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaids Tale, the characters are what permit the reader to understand the idea or theme of individuality versus society. Specifically, Moira, a rebellious woman, is the most essential character in the novel because she clearly represents the theme of individuality. She is a symbol of hope to her long time friend Offred, because she represents the pre-Gilead society. Moira is also used to contrast how a society can pressure individuals into mediocrity because she does not surrender to the norms of the Gilead society. Lastly, the memories of Moira produce a significant image of Offred’s individuality.
In The Handmaids Tale, the Gilead society has decided to eliminate numerous traditions, clothing, human rights and literature in order to have full control over its ladies. However, the one thing that Gilead cannot possibly control is the power of thought and memories of the past. Offred uses her memories of her pas life to “[...] save [her sanity] so [she] will have enough when the [regime is destroyed]” (Atwood 135). She uses much of her free time to think of many things in her past since it comforts her. Among these things, she spends a great deal of time thinking of Moira because “it makes [her] feel safer that Moira is [there]” with her (Atwood 88). In the past, Offred would call Moira regularly for comfort in times of hardship, such as the loss of her job at the library. The thought of Moira is not only comforting, but she is also a symbol of hope for Offred. Moira symbolises hope because she is an individual and she manages to escape the red center, as well as the cruelty of the Gilead society. Offred discovers that Moira is working at Jezebels, a brothel outside of Gilead. Although the modern day society would frown upon such relations, Offred admires Moira’s freedom to do anything she likes. This instils confidence in Offred that one day she might also experience the freedom she once had.