Brigid O'Shaughnessy is a fictional character from the classic detective novel "The Maltese Falcon," written by Dashiell Hammett. She is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative femme fatale who becomes involved in a complex plot surrounding a valuable artifact, the Maltese Falcon. Her character embodies themes of deception and desire, making her a central figure in the story. In the novel, Brigid seeks the help of private detective Sam Spade to find the falcon, but her true motives are often ambiguous. Her interactions with Spade reveal her intelligence and resourcefulness, as well as her willingness to use charm and seduction to achieve her goals.