Abigail Whelan is a fictional character portrayed by Darby Stanchfield, created by Shonda Rhimes for the political drama television series Scandal.

Whelan is Jewish, worked in the Washington, D.C.–based crisis management-firm, Pope & Associates, that specializes in political situations.

She works alongside her colleagues Harrison Wright, Stephen Finch, Huck and newcomer Quinn Perkins.

In the fourth episode, a South American dictator comes to Pope & Associates for help finding his family because he believes they have been kidnapped.

Abby shows strong feelings for not wanting to take the wife back to her husband, as the situation reminds her of her ex-husband who used to beat her.

[8] At the White House, she struggles to earn the respect of Fitz and Cyrus as they start calling her nicknames.

In addition she tries to help Mellie with her grief over the death of her son Jerry Grant Jr.[9][10] Abby's ex-husband, Charles "Chip" Putney, comes to the White House when he is nominated for Virginia's U.S.

Olivia helps Abby by working on the campaign of the other nomination, Susan Ross, and successfully getting her elected Senator.

After clubbing Charles in the knees with a tire iron, Olivia hires the best attorney to assist with Abby's divorce.

After the divorce, Abby stays with Olivia, and works with her on the presidential campaign for Governor Fitzgerald "Fitz" Grant III.

After Olivia left with Jake Ballard, Abby felt betrayed and started working at the White House.

The relationship began to evolve, with Abby finding out and starts assisting David's investigation of Olivia Pope and how she managed to keep Quinn out of jail.

Abby continues to help David as a result of her anger towards Olivia and her decision about keeping Quinn out of jail.