What Is A Big Little Reveal?

A big little reveal is a moment in a story, usually towards the end, when a character shares a secret or piece of information that drastically changes the narrative and the reader’s understanding of the plot. It is a powerful tool that can create a sense of surprise, excitement, or even dread, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat.

Characteristics of a Big Little Reveal

To be truly effective, a big little reveal should meet certain criteria:

1. It is unexpected: The revelation should come as a surprise to the reader, upending their expectations and forcing them to reconsider the story they thought they knew.

2. It is significant: The information revealed must have a profound impact on the plot, characters, or themes of the story. It should change the course of the narrative or shed new light on established events.

3. It is well-hidden: The author should carefully conceal the revelation throughout the story, providing subtle hints and clues that may go unnoticed until the moment of truth.

4. It is believable: While surprising, the revelation should still be plausible within the context of the story. It should not feel forced or contrived, but rather like a logical consequence of the events that have transpired.

Types of Big Little Reveals

There are various types of big little reveals, each serving a different purpose:

1. Twist ending: This is the most common type of reveal, where a shocking truth is unveiled that completely alters the reader’s understanding of the story.

2. Identity reveal: This type of reveal involves the uncovering of a character’s true identity, which may have been hidden throughout the narrative.

3. Secret revelation: A secret revelation involves the disclosure of a piece of information that a character has been keeping hidden from others.

4. Motive revelation: This type of reveal exposes the motivations or reasons behind a character’s actions, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations.

The Emotional Impact of Big Little Reveals

Big little reveals can have a profound emotional impact on readers:

1. Surprise and excitement: Unexpected revelations can generate feelings of surprise, excitement, and curiosity as readers come to terms with the new information.

2. Suspense and tension: The anticipation leading up to a big reveal can create a sense of suspense and tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

3. Shock and disbelief: Particularly unexpected or shocking revelations can elicit feelings of shock and disbelief, leaving readers reeling from the implications.

4. Closure and resolution: Sometimes, big little reveals provide closure or resolution to unresolved plot threads, giving readers a sense of satisfaction and completion.

Examples of Big Little Reveals in Literature

Some notable examples of big little reveals in literature include:

• The killer in Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express”
• The true identity of Tyler Durden in Chuck Palahniuk’s “Fight Club”
• The secret of the time portal in Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time”
• The narrator’s unreliable memory in Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go”

Crafting Effective Big Little Reveals

To create a truly effective big little reveal, authors should consider the following tips:

• Plan carefully: The reveal should be meticulously planned and integrated into the story from the beginning.
• Use foreshadowing: Provide subtle hints and clues throughout the narrative to hint at the impending revelation without giving it away explicitly.
• Build tension: Create a sense of anticipation and suspense leading up to the reveal.
• Keep it believable: The revelation should feel plausible and logical within the story’s context.
• Consider the emotional impact: Understand how the revelation will impact readers emotionally and use it to enhance the story’s overall effect.

Conclusion

Big little reveals are a powerful storytelling technique that can create a memorable and emotionally resonant experience for readers. By following these guidelines, authors can craft reveals that leave readers captivated, surprised, and deeply affected.

Questions and Answers

1. What is the purpose of a big little reveal?
To drastically change the narrative and the reader’s understanding of the plot, creating a sense of surprise, excitement, or even dread.

2. What are the key characteristics of an effective big little reveal?
Unexpected, significant, well-hidden, and believable.

3. Can you give an example of a famous big little reveal in literature?
The killer in Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.”

4. How can authors plan for an effective big little reveal?
By carefully planning the reveal from the beginning, using foreshadowing, building tension, keeping it believable, and considering the emotional impact.

5. What is the most important thing to remember when crafting a big little reveal?
To make it believable and plausible within the story’s context.