The Boo Radley Reveal

narrative technique, named for the character in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' where a character is initially presented as a mysterious, feared, or antagonistic force, only to be revealed later as harmless, helpful, or misunderstood. The editor builds tension and suspicion around this character through framing, music, and withholding information, deliberately misleading the audience before subverting their expectations. This device explores themes of prejudice, misjudgment, and irrational fear.