Reveal (narrative)

The reveal (also known as the big reveal) is a plot device in narrative structure, and is the exposure to the reader or audience of a previously unseen key character or element of plot or of the performance.
A reveal is different from Aristotle's "anagnorisis", in which something is revealed to a character rather than to the audience.
Narrative.
The reveal may result in a plot twist, and could be the key plot turn or unexpected coda in the story – in the mystery genre, for example. It may have scenes in the future that reveal consequences of actions to provide a lead for what will occur in the plot or side plot, this may be the overarching plot line in mystery or soap opera. It may also be used as a device (particularly in the climax) in stage magic by an illusionist or escape artist.
Stage magic.
In a magician's act, "the reveal" may refer to
Film.
"Reveal" is also used for two distinct cinematographic techniques:
In the sense of first-time showing of a character, a "reveal" is similar to, but usually not same as, the opening shot or Establishing shot that gives the location or context of a new scene.