In Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”, the female characters in the novel almost without exception lack agency. Offred, the main narrator, is the prime example of this fact, as throughout the novel she has almost no agency in the making of any decisions regarding her physical and personal self. The extent of her utility to the Commander does not extend beyond the existence of her womb, and this is made obvious by the fact that she is granted no freedom of choice even with regards to her body. She is forced to have sex in order to reproduce, without being given a real choice – the ultimatum given to her is “reproduce, or become an Unwoman.” With regards to her daily life, Offred must submit to the orders of others; for example, when she goes shopping, even her route to the grocery store is predetermined, as is her shopping list. When asked by the commander to come to his study, it appears she is given a choice. Offred however understands that this is not really a choice, rather she must submit to his will even if he makes it seem like she has options, as not doing so would result in repercussions. Offred’s night-time trip to the club with the Commander, though illegal and unknown to anyone but those particpating, epitomizes her lack of agency, as even in this setting her choices (such as what she wears) must conform to the desires of the Commander. Offred therefore possesses no real agency, as her will is entirely shaped by the demands and desires of those who are above her in the social heirarchy.