George Smiley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids George Smiley |
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|---|---|
| First appearance | Call for the Dead |
| Last appearance | A Legacy of Spies |
| Created by | John le Carré |
| Portrayed by | Rupert Davies (film, 1965) James Mason (film, 1966) George Cole (BBC Radio, 1978, 1981) Alec Guinness (TV, 1979, 1982) Peter Vaughan (BBC Radio, 1983) Bernard Hepton (BBC Radio, 1988, 1990) Denholm Elliott (TV movie, 1991) Simon Russell Beale (BBC Radio, 2009-2010) Gary Oldman (film, 2011) |
| Information | |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Intelligence officer |
| Affiliation | The Circus |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Ann Sercomb |
| Nationality | British |
George Smiley is a famous fictional character created by the author John le Carré. Smiley works as an intelligence officer for a secret British spy agency. This agency is often called "The Circus," but its real name is the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), also known as MI6.
Smiley is the main character in several exciting spy novels. He also appears in other books by le Carré. His stories have been turned into popular movies, TV shows, and radio plays.
Contents
George Smiley: A Master Spy
George Smiley is not like the flashy spies you might see in movies. He is a quiet and humble man. He often lets others underestimate him. This makes him seem less threatening, which is a big advantage for a spy.
Who is George Smiley?
Smiley is known for his sharp mind and amazing memory. He is a master of "tradecraft," which means he is very skilled at being a spy. This includes things like gathering information and understanding secret plans. Even though he seems gentle, he can be very determined when he needs to be.
His quiet nature helps him achieve his goals. People often don't realize how smart and capable he is. Because of this, he becomes one of the most powerful and respected agents in Britain.
Smiley's Adventures in Books
George Smiley is the central character in many of John le Carré's spy novels. His first appearance was in Call for the Dead. He also plays a big role in:
- A Murder of Quality
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
- The Honourable Schoolboy
- Smiley's People
He also appears in supporting roles in other books, like The Spy Who Came In from the Cold and A Legacy of Spies. These books show his long career and the challenges he faces as a spy.
What Makes Smiley Different?
John le Carré created George Smiley to show a more realistic side of espionage (spying). Le Carré wanted to offer a different view from the exciting, but often unrealistic, stories of Ian Fleming's James Bond.
A Different Kind of Spy
Unlike James Bond, Smiley is not a glamorous hero. He is polite, shy, and humble. He faces personal challenges, including difficulties in his marriage. But beneath his quiet manner is a very cunning and brilliant mind.
His Unique Skills
Smiley's genius lies in his ability to think deeply and remember tiny details. He uses his intelligence and understanding of people to solve complex spy puzzles. His skills help him outsmart dangerous enemies and protect his country.
A British Icon
George Smiley is a very respected character in Britain. He has become a pop-culture icon, much like James Bond. People see him as the kind of spy Britain would truly have.
The Guardian newspaper described him well. They said he is "a bit shabby, academic, basically loyal, and sceptical of... his political masters." This means he's not flashy, he's smart, he's dedicated, and he questions authority when needed. He represents a more thoughtful and realistic view of a secret agent.
