Naomi Lawrence (previously Putnam) is a supporting character of the The Handmaid's Tale as well as a minor and unnamed character in the novel. When she and her then-husband Commander Warren Putnam were assigned Janine Lindo (known as Ofwarren) as their Handmaid, Janine successfully fell pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl, Angela, who thus became Naomi's legal child. Naomi is now the Wife of Commander Lawrence.
In the TV Series[]
Season One[]
Birth Day[]
Janine gives birth to a daughter she calls Charlotte but who is named Angela by Naomi. While Janine is giving birth in the master bedroom with her fellow Handmaids and several Aunts, Naomi acts out the process of giving birth in the living room in the company of other Wives including Serena, Leah, and Caroline.
Late[]
Naomi is visited by Serena Joy and several other wives. During the visit, she comments that Janine had bitten her when she tried to take Angela after her breastfeeding, and suggested that she couldn't wait until Janine was no longer in her house. This indicates that Naomi has little to no appreciation or sympathy for the Handmaids and the responsibilities that have been thrust upon them.
A Woman's Place[]
The Putnams are among those who meet with the Mexican ambassador at the home of Commander Waterford, during which Naomi remarks that Gilead is "absolutely wonderful."
Both Naomi and Warren later attend the banquet held in honor of the ambassador.
The Bridge[]
Janine's daughter (Angela) is presented to Commander Putnam and Naomi. Janine, now known as Ofdaniel, is taken to her new home.
Later at night, Janine is standing on the edge of a bridge with Angela. Various Gileadean guards, the Putnams, Waterfords, Offred, and Aunt Lydia are also present. Janine loudly accuses Commander Putnam of lying to her and accuses him of having promised to leave his wife for her. Despite Naomi's pleas that the baby, as well as herself and Warren, need her at home, Janine refuses to come down from the edge. Offred is able to convince Janine to give her the child but Janine jumps, attempting suicide. She is pulled out by the guards.
Commander Putnam is later seen being led into a black van by guards due to the accusations made by Janine. Serena tries to offer comfort to Naomi and offers help with the baby, which she curtly refuses. Naomi then reminds Serena of the first Offred, saying that "men don't change".
Night[]
Although Naomi is not seen in this episode, Commander Pryce reveals at Warren's trial that Naomi has asked him that her husband receive the harshest punishment possible, as she "fears for his immortal soul and knows that he must make an offering to God to find redemption". Ultimately, Warren's left hand is amputated.
Season Two[]
Serena takes Offred out for a walk where they run into Grace and Naomi with baby Angela, who is already teething and thus a bit twitchy. Naomi thinks that teething is a way for God to "test" her.[2]
Serena tells Offred that baby Angela isn't well. She leaves to offer Naomi support. In the hospital, Serena asks Naomi if Janine, who is brought by Aunt Lydia, could see the baby. Her husband is okay with it but Naomi isn't. Offred takes Janine to see the baby in the ICU. Dr. Hodgson arrives in her Martha dress, changes clothes and is briefed by Dr. Epstein. She runs some tests on the baby. The doctors give Angela's parents bad news. Serena goes after the doctor but the doctor says is that all they can do is pray for the baby's recovery. Janine is able to hold the baby in order to say goodbye. Aunt Lydia wakes up in the ICU and finds Janine in her underclothes holding a very much alive baby.[3]
Season Five[]
After Fred dies, Naomi and her husband offer to host the wake for Fred's funeral. Naomi greets her old friend Serena as she returns to Gilead. Naomi and her husband are also choosing a new Handmaid; Esther is suggested by Aunt Lydia and they agree, however Esther poisons herself and ends up in the hospital. Naomi sees Janine and lets her daughter hug her. Later on, when Janine is in hospital, Naomi comes and brings her daughter to help Janine. Naomi witnesses the public execution of Commander Putnam in Season 5 Episode 6 titled "Together", and she therfore because and widow in Gilead.
Commander Lawrence approaches Naomi, asking her to marry him because he needs to show more Gilead ideals in his own household. She reluctantly accepts and moves into his house with Angela. Janine gets assigned to be their handmaid and Naomi is hesitant but ultimately agrees to a trial period. She tells Janine it will be nice to have a friendly face in the house, to which Janine responds that she hates Naomi and they are not friends. Naomi and Lawrence send Janine away and the Eyes take her.
Appearances[]
Season One[]
- "Birth Day"
- "Late"
- "A Woman's Place"
- "The Bridge"
Season Two[]
- "Other Women"
- "Seeds"
- "Women's Work"
- "The Last Ceremony"
- “The Word”
Season Three[]
Season Four[]
- “Progress”
Season Five[]
References[]
- ↑ Episode 1.9, "The Bridge"
- ↑ Episode 2.5, "Seeds"
- ↑ Episode 2.8, "Women's Work"