Anne Catherine "Annie" Walker is a CIA field operative in the Domestic Protection Division (DPD).
She was portrayed by Piper Perabo in the 2010-14 television series Covert Affairs created by Matt Corman and Chris Ord.
Background[]
Annie Walker began her career at the CIA as a young trainee, freshly recruited and full of idealism. With a passion for languages and a desire to serve, Annie quickly found herself thrust into the high-stakes world of espionage. Though still in training, she was unexpectedly promoted to a field operative position within the CIA’s Domestic Protection Division (DPD), setting her on a path that would transform her from a bright-eyed newcomer to a hardened intelligence officer.
Annie initially operated under the cover of an acquisitions specialist at the Smithsonian Museum, a role that allowed her to blend in while carrying out covert missions. However, when that cover was compromised, she transitioned to a more glamorous and dangerous front: a well-connected importer/exporter, known for her expensive tastes and ambiguous legality. Despite her ever-evolving covers, Annie remained grounded by her sincere desire to help those she encountered during her missions.
From the beginning, Annie leaned heavily on her handler, August “Auggie” Anderson, a former Army Special Forces officer blinded in combat in Iraq. Auggie became her mentor, confidant, and closest friend, offering support and guidance through every mission. Their bond deepened over time, built on mutual respect and shared experiences in the field.
Annie’s supervisor, Joan Campbell, the head of the DPD, also played a crucial role in shaping her development. A sharp, calculating spymaster with her own storied past, Joan served as both a mentor and a stern authority figure. Joan’s husband, Arthur Campbell, Director of Clandestine Services, often found himself entangled in the broader strategic decisions that impacted Annie’s operations.
Born into a military family, Annie grew up as an “army brat,” constantly relocating. To cope with the instability, she buried shoeboxes filled with photos and mementos in the backyards of each home, a personal ritual that underscored her yearning for permanence. Fluent in seven languages—Italian, Russian, Spanish, German, French, Persian, and her favorite, Portuguese—Annie also possessed conversational skills in many more, making her invaluable on global missions.
Annie’s journey was not without setbacks. Her first assignment nearly ended in disaster when she was overpowered by a Russian assassin. She was saved by her former lover, Ben Mercer, whose betrayal had originally driven her to join the CIA. Over time, and with help from Auggie, Annie trained extensively in hand-to-hand combat, learning to adapt and use her environment to survive.
Despite the pressures of her covert life, Annie tried to maintain a connection to her family. She lived with her older sister, Danielle, whose belief that Annie worked at the Smithsonian eventually gave way to the painful truth. Though their relationship was tested, the sisters reconciled, and Annie moved back in, continuing to juggle family loyalty with the demands of secrecy.
Compassionate yet increasingly hardened by her experiences, Annie Walker evolved into a formidable spy—resilient, resourceful, and driven by a deep sense of purpose.
External Links[]
- Annie Walker at Covert Affairs Wiki
- Covert Affairs at Wikipedia
- Covert Affairs at TV Tropes