The main "A" is revealed to be Charles DiLaurentis, who later adopts the name "Charlotte" after transitioning to a woman.
However, the story doesn't end there:
* A Team: Charlotte had several helpers, known as the "A Team," who worked with her to torment the girls. This included Mona Vanderwaal (early seasons), Melissa Hastings (the "Red Coat" reveal), and even Ezra Fitz (who was working with a group to gather information for a book).
* Other "A"s: Throughout the series, the girls believed other characters to be "A," leading to many red herrings. These included:
* Toby Cavanaugh
* Ian Thomas
* Garrett Reynolds
* Lucas Gottesman
The story becomes even more convoluted when it's revealed that Charlotte wasn't the only DiLaurentis sibling:
* Mary Drake: Charlotte's twin sister, Mary Drake, was also involved in the events surrounding "A" and the girls. She played a more significant role in the final seasons.
The final reveal of the "A" story is ultimately about identity, trauma, and the complex relationships between the characters. It's a story that highlights the dangers of secrets and the lasting impact of childhood trauma.