The Golden TypewriterCharacters in the Bond books
Bond's world in the novels is built around a few recurring people, M, Moneypenny, Felix Leiter and Blofeld among them. Here is who they are in Fleming's books, and how the films changed them.
The descriptions below are spoiler-free and follow Fleming's books. Film versions of these characters often have different histories, so we keep the two apart.
James Bond, 007
A British intelligence agent sent on assignments that cross borders. He relies on observation, nerve and, when necessary, force.
In the books: He appears in all fourteen Bond books, though in some stories he is barely on stage.
His naval background, precise tastes and love of gambling are all Fleming's. So is the way his professional detachment is tested whenever someone gets close to him.
On screen: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig in the Eon films. Barry Nelson played him on American TV in 1954, and David Niven in the 1967 comedy Casino Royale.
M
The head of Bond's service, who decides which assignments matter and weighs their political cost.
In the books: He recurs throughout the series.
In the books he is naval in manner, reserved and demanding, with occasional signs of concern for Bond.
On screen: Bernard Lee, Robert Brown, Judi Dench and Ralph Fiennes. The screen versions have their own histories, which differ from Fleming's.
Miss Moneypenny
M's secretary, capable and discreet, with a teasing, affectionate rapport with Bond.
In the books: She recurs across the series.
In the books she is part of the everyday life of headquarters rather than a field agent.
On screen: Lois Maxwell, Caroline Bliss, Samantha Bond and Naomie Harris. Her first name and career on screen can differ from the books.
Felix Leiter
Bond's American opposite number and friend, invaluable whenever a case crosses into the United States.
In the books: Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Diamonds Are Forever, Goldfinger, Thunderball and The Man with the Golden Gun.
He has dry humour, useful contacts and a practical approach to working together.
On screen: Jack Lord and Jeffrey Wright are two of several actors to play him.
Major Boothroyd
The service's armourer, consulted on Bond's weapons and equipment.
In the books: A minor figure in the novels, far smaller than the film role of Q.
The film character Q grew from him, but in the books he is a specialist, not a gadget-maker.
On screen: Peter Burton and Desmond Llewelyn played the screen armourer; John Cleese and Ben Whishaw played later versions of Q.
Ernst Stavro Blofeld
The head of SPECTRE, who plans operations from behind the scenes and changes his appearance to stay hidden.
In the books: Thunderball, On Her Majesty's Secret Service and You Only Live Twice.
Secrecy and long-range planning define him in the books.
On screen: Donald Pleasence, Telly Savalas, Charles Gray and Christoph Waltz, among others.
Quarrel
A boatman whose knowledge of Caribbean waters makes him one of Bond's most trusted allies.
In the books: Live and Let Die and Dr. No.
Seamanship, courage and local expertise.
On screen: John Kitzmiller in the 1962 film Dr. No.
René Mathis
A French intelligence officer who helps Bond read local surveillance and politics.
In the books: Casino Royale.
Professional discretion and a willingness to cooperate.
On screen: Giancarlo Giannini in the Daniel Craig films.
Mary Goodnight
A member of Bond's headquarters staff who becomes his contact on a Jamaican assignment.
In the books: She is Bond's contact in The Man with the Golden Gun.
Resourceful and familiar with the service's routines.
On screen: Britt Ekland in the 1974 film, a very different version of the character.
Key characters book by book
| Book | Characters who belong to that story |
|---|---|
| Casino Royale | Le Chiffre, Vesper Lynd |
| Live and Let Die | Mr Big, Solitaire |
| Moonraker | Sir Hugo Drax, Gala Brand |
| Diamonds Are Forever | Jack and Seraffimo Spang, Tiffany Case, Wint and Kidd |
| From Russia with Love | Rosa Klebb, Red Grant, Tatiana Romanova, Darko Kerim |
| Dr. No | Dr Julius No, Honeychile Rider |
| Goldfinger | Auric Goldfinger, Oddjob, Pussy Galore |
| For Your Eyes Only | Milton Krest, among others |
| Thunderball | Emilio Largo, Domino |
| The Spy Who Loved Me | Vivienne Michel, Sluggsy Morant, Sol Horror |
| On Her Majesty's Secret Service | Tracy di Vicenzo, Marc-Ange Draco, Irma Bunt |
| You Only Live Twice | Tiger Tanaka, Kissy Suzuki |
| The Man with the Golden Gun | Francisco Scaramanga |
| Octopussy and The Living Daylights | Major Dexter Smythe, among others |
Sources
- Ian Fleming Publications: meet the charactersConfirmed
- Ian Fleming Publications: James BondConfirmed
- Ian Fleming Publications: Felix LeiterConfirmed
- Ian Fleming Publications: Major BoothroydConfirmed
- Ian Fleming Publications: BlofeldConfirmed
- Ian Fleming Publications: MoneypennyConfirmed
- 007.com: the filmsConfirmed