In his role as a Jamaican geologist, Professor Dent is the very picture of respectability. He befriends Strangways, the British Intelligence agent who is investigating Dr. No, and frequently plays bridge with him at the Queen's Club.
In reality, Dent is a henchman for Dr. No and plays a key role in the murder of Strangways. When 007 suspects Dent, the professor tries to assasinate him by placing a tarantula in 007's bed. When Bond emerges unscathed, Dent tries to do the job himself by ambushing 007 at the home of seductive the Miss Taro. Instead, he finds Bond waiting for him with Walthera gun in hand.