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I'd disagree that the distinction is subtle:
- The Spook: character whose identity and background is unknown and a major plot point.
- Flat Character: a character lacking characterization. Their identity may or may not be known but is irrelevant to the plot.
A Flat Character can ascend and gain characterization as the plot demands it but wasn't characterized before since it didn't benefit the plot or due to bad writing.
It is inherently difficult to add characterization to The Spook. If you'd define Flat Character only by the lack of characterization I guess it's a Sub-Trope even.
Edit: ehh, this should actually be discussed in the relevant thread
and should get locked here.
I asked about on this on Trope Talk but am also putting it here.
To avoid trope misuse, does this make sense on Canonical List of Subtle Trope Distinctions:
Flat Character vs The Spook:
Am I correct with this, and would this fit on Square Peg, Round Trope:
Would appreciate it if someone could check if definitions are right!