World War II
Fleming fought in WWII while he lived in England. His experiences during the war are reflected in the casual elements he adds to his novel which recall the war. For example, M owns the ship's bell from his last command on HMS Repulse. The character of M is most likely based upon Fleming's own superior officer during the war, Rear Admiral John Godfrey, who served on HMS Repulse. Also, Fleming writes that Draco had been given a King's Medal for Resistance Fighters, which was a distinction awarded to those of foreign birth who had aided the British during the war at great personal risk. Finally, the action scenes of the film are vividly described. Bond engages in hand-to-hand combat with multiple foes, all of which is described with much imagery.
Criminality
The criminality of Blofeld and Draco raise an interesting discussion about "good vs. evil." Blofeld is the antagonist of the story, pursuing economic collapse, nuclear threats, illegitimate power grabs, brainwashing, and murder. He is the head of SPECTRE, an international crime organization. On the other hand Draco is portrayed as a friend to Bond. He helps track down and defeat Blofeld. Ironically, the money he uses to fund these endeavors is being funneled through his own crime syndicate, Unione Corse. While both men engage in illegal activities, one is condemned and the other quietly allowed to return to his business. Draco is no more virtuous than Blofeld, but he aligns himself with "the good guys." By helping Bond and MI6, he is seen justifying any criminal indiscretions he has previously committed.
Emotional Vulnerability
Bond is not known to be an emotional character. In previous novels in the series, he gained a reputation for seducing women and then abandoning them. He isn't known to exercise restraint nor to respect the women with whom he has affairs. In On Her Majesty's Secret Service, however, Bond falls in love with Tracy. Not only does he delay his mission to track down Blofeld in order to stay with Tracy during her mental recover, but he ends up marrying her. This is not Bond's only surprising emotional demonstration either. At the beginning of the novel, he is shown visiting the grave of Vesper Lynd, his tragic lover from Casino Royale. Apparently he visits her grave once a year to pay his respects. This sort of emotional attachments is a departure from the typical character of Bond that Fleming portrays.
Tracy is an emotionally vulnerable character as well. Not only is she the heroine of the story, but she is the tragic foil as well. Upon meeting her, Bond learns that she is mentally unstable and struggling with suicide. This vulnerable state may contribute to Bond's attachment to her. Having saved her life once, he may feel responsible for her well being afterwards. Regardless of his intentions, Bond truly helps Tracy to reach a better state of mental health.
