Harry Palmer is a fictional character created by author Len Deighton. He is a British intelligence officer known for his pragmatic approach to espionage during the Cold War. Palmer first appeared in the novel "The Ipcress File," published in 1962, and has since become a notable figure in spy fiction. The character has been portrayed in several films, most famously by actor Michael Caine. Palmer's stories often highlight themes of betrayal, moral ambiguity, and the complexities of intelligence work, making him a relatable and humanized figure in the world of spy fiction.