Character Analysis
Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick
The Spook is a classic mentor—you know, like Gandalf or Mister Miyagi. He looks the part too; he's got a black cloak, a big staff, big bushy eyebrows, and prominent nose hairs. We guess they don't have the MicroTouch Max in this world.
Because the Spook is in this mysterious mentor role, he doesn't reveal a lot of personal information about himself to his young apprentice. We do learn that he has two brothers—one a locksmith and the other a priest, who hates Spook. And we know that he grew up with a fairly abusive father. Spook doesn't pass down this paternal violence to his apprentice, though.
Instead, he gives Tom books and lessons and quizzes to prepare him for all the spooky stuff they have to deal with. And while he's a harsh disciplinarian, he isn't angry or unfair.
As the mentor, the Spook doesn't save the day. He conveniently disappears when things get dangerous, and leaves Tom to learn how to fend for himself. The Spook is confident in Tom's abilities, and that these abilities trump whatever fate may have in store for our young hero. Or not.
He doesn't exactly believe in fate. The spook says:
We don't believe in prophecy. We don't believe that the future is fixed. So if what your mother wrote comes true, then it's because we make it come true. (4.25)
We guess a good education trumps fate any day.
But what's that about something Tom's mother wrote? She told the Spook, "He'll be the best apprentice you've ever had, and he'll also be your last" (4.24). Does she mean that Tom will just be so good, the Spook'll never need another apprentice?
Or does she mean to suggest that the Spook will die before the end of the series? No matter what creeps lurk in the Spook's past that likely drove him to be the County's Banisher of Evil, he becomes a great teacher to our boy Tom. So, we're rooting for you, buddy.