The story notes that Fienne's as yet undefined character would be "darkly complex", which is exactly why they chose him for it. Speaking with an exec familiar with the production, he says that director Sam Mendes has ideas "that push the film into darker territory where the characters are modern, mature and challenging.”
James Bond went a little towards the dark side in Quantum of Solace, and I'm guessing that if Bardem is involved his character will be a complex one as well. I'm guessing Fiennes plays somebody in-between, not quite good but isn't really a black hat either. I don't know about you, but I'm anticipating this Bond film more than I have one in a long time.
Now I just want to know what they're gonna call it. Ever since that Red Sky At Night rumor, the whole issue's been silent.