In the earlier movies these flirtatious moments included Bond kissing and caressing Moneypenny sensually, but in more recent films the flirtation is more lighthearted and marked by an exchange of witty banter and sexual innuendos. Throughout the films, upon Bond's arrival at M's office, he flirts with Miss Moneypenny. The character has also been rumored to be based upon Vera Atkins who was a secretary to 'legendary spy master' Maurice Buckman who was Fleming's inspiration for M, among others. The name was later changed to be less obvious. In Fleming's first draft Moneypenny was originally named Miss 'Petty' Pettaval, who was a secretary to real-world MI6 Director, Stewart Menzies. Many people have been credited for being Ian Fleming's inspiration for the Moneypenny character. She has appeared throughout Ian Fleming's novels, although in a smaller role than in the movies, but the theme remains the same: Moneypenny is infatuated with Bond but never does anything to act upon her infatuation.

Moneypenny's first appearance in the James Bond universe is in the original book, Casino Royale.

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