Anime breakout hit Spy x Family has a dynamic cast of characters with varying backstories. With every episode, the audience learns more about the characters and their motivations, but the femme fatale known as "Handler" might be the most mysterious character yet.
Spy x Family follows counterintelligence agent for WISE Loid Forger, Code Name: "Twilight," as he sets out to complete his mission for peace between two warring countries: Operation STRIX. Along with his makeshift family, consisting of the assassin Yor and telepathic daughter, Anya, Loid must get close to his next target at the prestigious Eden Academy. "Handler," also an agent for WISE, keeps Loid on task with his mission. Although fans see very little of "Handler" in the series, she could play a more critical role later.
What Spy X Family Reveals About Handler So Far
Fans are introduced to "Handler" in Episode 6 of the Admissions Interview Arc when she chastises Loid for the hefty castle rental bill from his adventure with Anya in the previous episode. Later, it's revealed that "Handler's" alias is Sylvia Sherwood, also known as the "Fullmetal Lady". As her codename implies, "Handler" is Loid's primary contact at WISE and ensures he's on task with his overall mission while assigning new ones to him when they arise. Although "Handler" makes several appearances with her glasses, red hair & wide-brim black hat, fans aren't given much about her personality or backstory until later in the series.
Handler has a stern, no-nonsense personality and possibly tragic war-torn backstory. While interrogating would-be-assassin college students during Episode 14, the audience learns that "Handler" has an intimate experience with the horrors of war. She goes into gruesome detail about war's ruinous realities and the pain it leaves in its wake. Until Episode 14, it seems like "Handler" doesn't know much about children when she suggests that Loid bride Anya with candy to motivate her to study, but in Episode 15, it's revealed that Handler had a daughter around Anya's age. Although there isn't an explanation for what happened to her, her disappearance likely resulted from Handler's tragic backstory.
What Could Be Handler's Role Going Forward?
Considering Handler's role at WISE and her dedication to her position, fans can assume that she will continue to ensure Operation Strix is successful. But, if the Forger family is end-game like many fans hope they will be, she may have an even more prominent role in helping the Forgers stay together. The series already hints at Handler's more empathetic side and her soft spot for Anya. Also, given her experience with being separated from her family, Handler might be further motivated to ensure the same doesn't happen to the Forgers.
Spy x Family doesn't give fans a lot of detail about the elusive Handler, but the series may expand on her past and what role she will play in the Forger's future.