9 most famous spies in fiction

Oct 17, 2023

Aakanksha Sharma

Fictional spies

In the realm of literature, enigmatic spies, both charming and cunning, enthrall us. They navigate a world of secrets, high stakes and shifting allegiances, capturing our imagination through their pursuit of mysteries and intrigue. Here we list 9 spies featured in fiction.

James Bond

Author Ian Fleming introduced James Bond, a British secret agent, with a license to kill. The suave and technologically adept 007 charmed both in literature and on the silver screen, with 25 blockbuster films featuring seven diverse actors portraying the iconic character.

​Kimball O’Hara

Kim is a young Anglo-Irish orphan in 1890s India. Recruited into British Secret Service for the 'Great Game,' guided by a Tibetan lama, Kim showcases mischief, wit and love for adventures.

Maxwell Knight

Maxwell Knight is a remarkable British spy portrayed in 'M'. Excelling in espionage, particularly infiltrating communist cells using skilled female agents. Knight and his female leads have an excellent hold on readers owing to their fascinating characteristics.

Byomkesh Bakshi

In the 1930s, Byomkesh Bakshi, a truth-seeker or 'satyanneshi,' quietly emerged in Bengali fiction, gaining quick popularity due to his intellect and thrilling escapades. Assisted by his friend Ajit, their dynamic is captivating.

Jason Bourne

Jason Bourne, an amnesiac with gunshot scars, fights to reclaim his identity. Hunted by the CIA and a lethal assassin, his multilingualism, martial arts skills and keen observations define him as a remarkable spy.

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Mansfield Smith Cumming

Being the great-great-grandson of the East India Company's founder, Cumming was born privileged and displayed a bratty demeanor. Ferguson's book depicts the cramped Whitehall attic offices that served as Cumming's secret service hub during World War I.

George Smiley

Following James Bond, George Smiley emerges as an iconic fictional spy. Smiley is an ordinary man, facing betrayal from within the British secret service.

Feluda

Created by Satyajit Ray, Feluda, or Prodosh Chandra Mitra, is a renowned fictional detective residing in Calcutta. His adventurous stories have solidified his status as a literary figure in the spy genre. Feluda is often accompanied by Tapesh Mitter, his cousin and assistant.

​James Wormold

An average vacuum salesman turns into a British agent to fund his daughter's lavish lifestyle. Struggling to provide useful intel to MI6, he fabricates tales that unexpectedly transform into reality, creating comical situations.

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