Commanders of the Faithful, or just simply Commanders, are a social class of powerful men in Gilead. They are the highest ranking members of all Gileadean society and are identified by a gold star on their suits.
Role[]
Commanders serve as politicians, military leaders, administrators and lawmakers, working in Gilead's government. A hierarchy exists among Commanders, with some ranking higher than others. In the TV series, it's implied that they are individually distinguished by military-style ranks (such as Colonel).
In the early days of Gilead, the Commanders were primarily men who brought about or supported the rise of the regime and most are staunch believers in Gilead. However, some Commanders are known to secretly break Gilead's laws to indulge in forbidden luxuries or activities, such as using the black market to gain contraband items such as alcohol and cigarettes and visiting the brothel, Jezebel's[1], or having illicit affairs with their handmaids (Commander Guthrie, Commander Putnam).
Because of their high status and prominence, Commanders are permitted to marry, though because most of them are older men, many already are very wealthy and live comfortable and privileged lives, served by Guardians and Marthas. However, their lives are not all rosy; they are watched by the Eyes like every other citizen, and can have their privileges revoked, or even face imprisonment or execution if found guilty of subversion or treason. Many Commanders were killed and replaced during political Purges in the early years of Gilead. Some Commanders also feel stifled by the regime, as it takes away things they enjoyed about the old world and forces them to conform to the new society's beliefs and values, although many seem to be either oblivious or uncaring of the more severe loss of rights and freedoms to women under Gilead.
Field Commanders[]
Offred mentions in the novel that Commanders are separated into different "fields" in terms of what they command, (such as law enforcement, government, military, etc.) however, they do not have separate titles.[2]
In the Hulu series, "Field Commanders" are mentioned[3]. It appears this refers to the fact that Commanders that are engaged in military leadership roles, analogous to real-life field marshals in the armed forces of many countries today. An example is the Commander who took New York, Commander Guthrie[1].
High Commanders[]
Fred Waterford addresses Commander Winslow from Washington, D.C. as the "High Commander"[4], indicating a hierarchy within the class of Commanders. Since a junta ("Committee") in charge of the regime has also been mentioned[1], this suggests "High Commanders" to be its members or immediate subordinates.
Known Commanders[]
In the Novels[]
- Commander Fred
- Commander Warren
- Commander Glen
- Commander Kyle
- Commander B. Frederick Judd
- Commander Saunders
- Commander Tucker
In the TV Series[]
Confirmed Alive:[]
- Commander Andy Allston (unseen)
- Commander Nick Blaine: formerly a Guardian, still an Eye.
- Commander Matthew Calhoun: Served by Natalie.
- Commander Carver
- Commander Eric
- Commander Grinnel: member of the Sons of Jacob.
- Commander Hollbeck
- Commander Howard
- Commander Horace: a promoted Commander.
- Commander John
- Commander Joseph Lawrence: Head of Emily and June's household.
- Commander Logan: presided over and spoke in a Prayvaganza.
- Commander MacKenzie: Hannah's placement father.
- Commander Quinn: unseen, but mentioned by June to Natalie/Ofmatthew.
- Commander Steven Scott: implied by his wife Grace who continues to dress in Gilead's formal attire for a Wife.
- Commander Webber
- Commander Zachary
- Dr. Yates: implied as he wears a Commander's star and black hospital uniform, works as a doctor.
Status Unknown:[]
- Commander Bennett: possibly killed in the attack on the new Rachel and Leah center; fate unknown.
- Commander Derek Chambers: possibly killed in the attack on the new Rachel and Leah center; fate unknown.
- Commander Ray Cushing: removed from position and arrested for treason.
- Commander Davidson: possibly killed in the attack on the new Rachel and Leah center, fate unknown.
- Commander Dennison: Held the rank of Colonel, mentioned as the Security Commander of the Guardians at the Red Center.
- Commander Robert Ellis: Survived the attack on the new Rachel and Leah center.
- Commander Guthrie: Arrested for corruption, fate unknown.
- Commander Daniel Monroe: possibly killed in the attack on the new Rachel and Leah center, fate unknown.
- Commander O'Conner: Wife was sent to the Colonies for adultery; later died from sickness.
- Commander Samuel
- Commander Wells: possibly killed in the attack on the new Rachel and Leah center; fate unknown.
- Commander Wyatt
Confirmed Deceased:[]
- Commander Glen Deeds: executed during Commander Cushing's purge.
- Commander Rob Keyes: killed by nightshade poisoning.
- Commander Murrow: killed by Guardians searching for fugitive handmaids.
- Commander Andrew Pryce: killed in the Red Center Bombing.
- Commander Warren Putnam: executed by Nick for raping a handmaid.
- Commander Roy: died from a heart attack.
- Commander Fred Waterford: "salvaged" in No Man's Land.
- High Commander George Winslow: killed at Jezebel's by June Osborne.