Narrative Techniques & Genres Codexery

Reveal (narrative)

Plot device exposing unseen key elements to the audience.

A reveal, also called the big reveal, is a plot device in narrative structure that exposes a previously unseen key character, element of plot, or performance to the reader or audience. It differs from Aristotle's anagnorisis, which reveals something to a character rather than to the audience. The reveal may result in a plot twist and can serve as the key plot turn or unexpected coda, especially in the mystery genre.

Quick Facts

Field
Narrative structure
Known for
  • Exposure of unseen key character
  • plot element
  • or performance to audience

Facts from the source article.

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