Crossword Genius

Bogarde nervelessly tackles character vital to the plot? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gardener

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'the plot?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'bogarde nervelessly tackles character vital' is the wordplay.
'GARDENER' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gardener that I've seen before include "Garnered by worker on cultivated ground" , "one working on plot?" , "Tender of plants" , "One growing plants" , "Plant and veg grower" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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