Love Interest

Character Role Analysis

Tania Romanova

Bond girls often go to pieces once they're in Bond's arms. Honey Ryder starts off as a knife-wielding wanderer, only to become a damsel in distress by the end of Dr. No. Goldfinger's Pussy Galore is a fierce fighter pilot working for the enemy and identifying as lesbian until Bond coerces her over to his side on both counts.

What sets Tania apart from the initial trio of Bond girls is that it's basically her job to swoon over Bond. Romantic Interest is literally her assignment, given to her by Rosa Klebb. As a result, she brings out a little-seen side of James Bond: his insecurity. He often wonders if she really likes him, or if she likes him just because it's her job to like him.

Bond wants her to love him for real, which is a little sociopathic considering he must know that he'll dump her as soon as the next mission comes along.