{ typist } a detailed accounting!
Body and Appearance
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is he heavyset, thin, short, rangy?
James is 6'2" and built lean, long-legged, slim and broad in the shoulders.
2. How old is he?
Late thirties, pushing forty. I'm still hammering out exactly what I'm working with, as far as his timeline goes, so I don't have an exact number or set of dates! Yet.
3. Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch?
He carries himself extremely well, tending to use his full height to his advantage. He's athletic and arrogant; his body language pretty adequately conveys both of these things. He tends not to slouch.
4. How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
For a heavy smoker and alcoholic, James is in surprisingly good health and physical fitness - extremely good, to keep up with the demands and pressures of his job. How he does not have lung cancer and a failing liver is beyond me, let's just put it down to 'he's James goddamn Bond, what are you, retarded'.
5. How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
Fluid and confident; he's got a sense of himself and his surroundings that tends to lend him grace. He's not tense so much as he is ready, because James doesn't really do 'off hours'.
6. How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror?
James is incredibly good looking and incredibly aware of it! It's a matter of personal pride and a potential tool that he's practised using, because that's how he rolls.
7. Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?
He's white with relatively clear skin - he has scars, but nothing he can't cover up with his clothes and possibly use to convince women mean he's dashing and exciting. He tans okay, and he does fairly obviously spend a certain amount of time out of doors, he's not ~*protecting his delicate English rose complexion*~ or anything.
8. Describe his hair: color, texture, style.
It's dark, fairly thick and styled in the vaguely floppy late 80s early 90s typically British look. Hugh Grant wishes he had hair like this.
9. What color are his eyes?
Blue-grey.
10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features?
Looks pretty great in a three piece suit.
11. What are his chief tension centers?
EVERYWHERE i mean uh. Probably his back and shoulders.
12. What is the character's wardrobe like? Casual, dressy, utilitarian? Bright colors, pastels, neutrals? Is it varied, or does he have six of the same suit?
It varies; he's got expensive tastes and tailored suits, but while all of his clothes tend to run towards 'cost more than your car' he doesn't tend to tool around in three piece suits unless he needs to, he's fine in trousers and a pullover. He wears clothes that he can work in, but he doesn't tend to get attached to pieces; he can abandon a ruined suit and just buy a new one, no problem.
13. Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them?
James has this irritating ability to seem totally comfortable even with the barrel of a gun shoved up against his kidneys.
14. Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences?
He dresses to suit the occasion. Home office gets a three piece suit, but he doesn't need to wear that all the time.
15. You knew it was coming: Boxers, briefs or commando?
Briefs. He probably owns some boxers, though. And I'm sure he's had to sneak out of somebody's room without his underwear at least once.
Speech
1. What does this character's voice sound like? High-pitched, deep, hoarse?
He has a deep, low voice with a long-time smoker's gravel.
2. How does he normally speak? Loud, soft, fast, evenly? Does he talk easily, or does he hesitate?
Smoothly, evenly - he's good at a kind of obnoxious blasé attitude, or adopting a terse, curt manner to put off somebody who he'd like to actually just shut the fuck up. He's got a performer's knack for speech, but not always. As a rule he's not too loud, but if he's too soft to hear properly he probably did it on purpose.
3. Does the character have a distinct accent or dialect? Any individual quirks of pronunciation? Any, like, you know, verbal tics?
He's incredibly British, for one thing.
4. What language/s does he speak, and with how much fluency?
James speaks a variety of languages besides his native tongue fluently; he's something of a polyglot. Definitely Russian, French, I think Japanese...I would have to look up all of them, he's a pain in the ass. Thanks to Pela, he's learning Mer - he hasn't mastered it yet, it's too unlike anything else he speaks, but he's picking it up and getting there.
5. Does he switch languages or dialects in certain situations?
To communicate more easily with a native speaker, or someone who has a language in common with him that they speak better than English. Alternatively, to annoy someone.
6. Is he a good impromptu speaker, or does he have to think about his words?
His job requires that he be good at thinking on his feet, and this extends to his conversation.
7. Is he eloquent or inarticulate? Under what circumstances might this change?
Eloquent, as a rule! And one of those men who has an answer for everything, until you sort of want to punch them in the face. It's possible to hit a sore spot, which might slow him down, but as a rule he'll compartmentalize before he falters.
Mental and Emotional
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart?
Very intelligent! He's well educated (despite having been expelled at least once for shenanigans involving the fairer sex, yes, and of course he was expelled for shenanigans involving the fairer sex), and he works primarily in the field. I wouldn't call him 'street smart', per se, because he's very much a product of his privilege and doesn't have to be. He learns fast and survives, though.
2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate?
He'll take the time if he has it, but if he doesn't, he can make quick decisions and even if they're not the right decisions, he's likely to work something out.
3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?
James is not much of an idealist, finding it a charming trait in women but not particularly useful. He thinks of himself as a pragmatic realist, which is prrrrobably the closest thing to accurate. He's got a quick mind, and he can ferret something out, or pick up on things other people have missed or simply wouldn't connect the way he connects them.
4. What kind of education has the character had?
He was removed from Eton (see above), and attended his father's own school, Fettes College (in Edinburgh, Scotland - SUP AJ), and briefly attended the University of Geneva. (And his rank - Commander - comes from his time in the RNVR.)
5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about?
Uhhh women and explosions. (Kay addition: g-spots.) No, but seriously...well, seriously those, but more seriously: he's a fucking spy, he's interested in learning whatever will enable him to perform ~*espionage*~ better than he already does. Languages, technological advances, what's going on politically and privately, weapons and unarmed combat, all of these things are pretty relevant to his interests. He's also got an extensive knowledge of alcohol and women's fashion. I could go on, but I...don't feel like it.
6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert?
An introvert that plays at being an extrovert to throw people off.
7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?
Dalton's interpretation of Bond is probably the...craziest, honestly. He's melancholy and cynically bitter, but he's not demonstrative about it; what James shows people and what is actually going on with him are often two incredibly different things. He's intense and driven, and there's something kind of - well, to steal a line from his soundtrack, he's kind of larger than life in himself.
8. How does he respond to new people or situations? Is he suspicious, relaxed, timid, enthusiastic?
It depends, but generally speaking he's pleasantly wary.
9. Is he more likely to act, or to react?
The nature of his job has him in a mostly reactive position, but he's got no compunctions about just acting when he feels something needs to be done. Sometimes this does not sit well with people around him, because when James feels a need to act, usually people die and shit explodes.
10. Which is his default: fight or flight?
Fight. But he's not stupid and he likes to survive and win more than he likes last stands. Dying nobly does not appeal.
11. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?
He thinks he's funny :3 ... not everyone agrees, but he thinks he's funny. I'd say his sense of humour is, like his accent, incredibly British - and frequently a little condescending. He fancies himself to be quite witty and enjoys needling at people. The fact he's somewhat misogynist (though not, holy shit, as bad as his literary counterpart) has been known to rear its ugly head in his quips.
12. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them?
Alcoholism, for one. Maybe a little PTSD, and I would hazard that he suffers chronic depression along the lines of dysthymia (rather than major depressive disorder). It will be a cold day in hell before he receives psychiatric treatment for any of these things; they're side-effects of the way he lives his life, the person that he has made himself into in order to function at his professional peak. He represses a lot.
13. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person?
The loss of his parents; joining MI6; all the women he didn't save. Namely, the death of his wife, Tracy Bond.
14. What does he fear?
Failure and vulnerability. Weakness. Becoming obsolete.
15. What are his hopes or aspirations?
At the moment, he sincerely hopes he doesn't get busted for what he's doing in Cancun, ho ho ho. Otherwise...well, James is not really a dreamer. He's doing what he's made to do (by nature or his own nurturing), and he intends to continue doing it, God help anyone in his way. He knows he's not suited to a different life.
16. What is something he doesn't want anyone to find out about him?
He's only human.
Relationships
1. Describe this character's relationship with his parents.
Affectionate and in the past; James prefers not to think about his parents.
2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like?
None. Unless you count the other Bond. In which case he plays the jaded, worldly other brother to Bond's serious younger brother syndrome.
3. Are there other blood relatives to whom he is close? Are there ones he can't stand?
He was raised by his aunt, but considers himself without family.
4. Are there other, unrelated people whom he considers part of his family? What are his relationships with them?
The closest person to this would be Q - Major Boothroyd, the quartermaster who kits him out with his exciting little Bond gadgets - who occupies a sort of paternal role for James. He sasses him and drives him up the wall, but respects the man and can be sort of protective of him. He owes Q his life in a very real sense, and Q has covered for him before. And then threatened him a little, because sometimes he is a huge brat.
5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?
Hahahahaha James Bond doesn't have friends. (Felix Leiter.)
6. Does he have other close friends?
No.
7. Does he make friends easily, or does he have trouble getting along with people?
James charms people easily; he doesn't allow anyone close enough to be his friend.
8. Which does he consider more important: family or friends?
He considers both of these something that happens to other people.
9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has he been married more than once?
He's been married only once, and is a widower.
10. Is he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse?
He's in a sexual and professional relationship with Pelagia Lijax. He would dispute the notion that it's at all romantic, and he would be...wrong. ._.
11. Who was his first crush? Who is his latest?
Probably that maid at Eton. And...no one, ever.
12. What does he look for in a romantic partner?
He doesn't. But he certainly enjoys the company of extraordinarily beautiful women, particularly if they're kind of crazy and a pain in his ass.
13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does he relate to them? If no, does he want any?
No, no, and sweet Jesus no.
14. Does he have any rivals or enemies?
..........................yes.
15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does he fall on the Kinsey scale?
He's heterosexual at a zero.
16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him?
Sex is something he enjoys, excels at and would like to have frequently. It's a lower priority than his work, but he sees no reason to let work get in the way of his sex life, or indeed vice versa! It's not something he holds especially sacred, considering his habits, and he's not inclined to get emotionally attached to the women he sleeps with.
17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?
He likes to be in control, to make the first move, to be the seductor. He has this awkward habit of convincing women to fall in love with him and then ... you know, fucking off, like he does. At the moment he's sleeping fairly regularly with a mermaid who doesn't ever kiss on the mouth!
Beliefs
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does he fit type?
I do not know, no.
2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his life?
Totally disinterested, it has no personal impact. He'll throw out references to God and Jesus and whatnot as casual blasphemy, but this is born out of growing up in what's basically a white male Christian majority, not ... actually giving a fuck, himself. It's cultural context, not personal spiritual significance.
3. Does this character have a personal code of morals or ethics? If so, how did that begin? What would it take to compromise it?
He's developed one over time; his morals and ethics might not hold up to someone else's standard (considering they allow for killing people, sleeping with other people's wives, picking and choosing which rules to follow and which to unceremoniously break), but at the end of the day he is loyal to England and performs his duty to the best of his ability. He's willing to leave the moralizing to someone else and do the job he's been told to do - most of the time.
4. How does he regard beliefs that differ from his? Is he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?
He's more or less indifferent unless their beliefs are getting in his way. In which case they're just another problem to solve, by whatever means works best.
5. What prejudices does he hold? Are they irrational or does he have a good reason for them?
Most obviously he's incredibly misogynistic, so enjoy that. He can generally find a reason to look down on just about anybody, if he really wants to; he's not the most enlightened of men, occupying a "wealthy heterosexual white male" position of privilege that he has rarely if ever been required to look at from another perspective. He's not homophobic like he doesn't hate women - but he doesn't respect women, either, so take that as you will.
Daily Life
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?
He's evidently personally wealthy, from his lifestyle which cannot be wholly on the government's dime - but that said, yeah, he expenses a lot of shit to the British government.
2. What is his social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him?
Like I said above - wealthy heterosexual white man puts him ahead of the game inherently, and he adds to this by being intelligent, accomplished and arrogant on top of his justifiable pride. He may be related to Sir Thomas Bond, but doesn't give a fuck, other than to adopt the man's motto (it was a cool motto). He is a bit separate from the rest of the world, managing incredible isolation while living a relatively fast-paced lifestyle surrounded by people.
3. Where does he live? House, apartment, trailer? Is his home his castle or just a place to crash? What condition is it in? Does he share it with others?
He has a nice, expensive apartment in London with a housekeeper who comes in and sees to the place. He prefers to spend as little time there as possible, in general, it's not a home so much as a place to keep his crap.
4. Besides the basic necessities, what does he spend his money on?
Luxuries, naturally. Alcohol, gifts for pretty women, Floris #89 and Morland Specials. That kind of thing.
5. What does he do for a living? Is he good at it? Does he enjoy it, or would he rather be doing something else?
He's a spy. He's James Bond, what do you think.
6. What are his interests or hobbies? How does he spend his free time?
James doesn't like having free time, but women are a hobby, right?
7. What are his eating habits? Does he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?
~*HE'S A GODDAMN ALCOHOLIC*~ and other than that, he's a choosy and particular eater. He requires the best of the best at all times, in all things, exactly to his specifications. He does eat out more often than not.
Associations
Which of the following do you associate with the character, or which is his favorite:
1. Color? Slate grey.
2. Smell? Floris #89 and guns.
3. Time of day? Late evening.
4. Season? Winter.
5. Book? Quantum of Solace: The Complete James Bond Short Stories.
6. Music? Orchestral.
7. Place? England.
8. Substance? Gold, silver, steel.
9. Plant? ...
10. Animal? Sharks.
END
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