The question that haunted Rosewood for seven seasons: Who is “A” on Pretty Little Liars? The answer, though multifaceted and often debated, ultimately points to Mona Vanderwaal as the original “A,” and later, CeCe Drake (Charlotte DiLaurentis) as “A.D.,” also known as Uber A. Their motivations and methods, however, are a much deeper and more complex story.
The Many Faces of “A”: A Comprehensive Investigation
The “A” storyline, the central mystery of Pretty Little Liars, was a labyrinthine web of deception, manipulation, and revenge. Understanding who “A” is requires not just identifying the individuals behind the texts and torment, but also dissecting their motives, their accomplices, and the lasting impact their actions had on the Liars and the residents of Rosewood. The series cleverly employed red herrings and misdirection, making the true identity of “A” a constantly shifting target for viewers and the characters themselves.
Mona Vanderwaal: The Original “A”
Mona, initially portrayed as Hanna Marin’s insecure and somewhat obsessive best friend, was revealed to be the first incarnation of “A” in the Season 2 finale. Her motivation stemmed from a deep-seated feeling of being ostracized and overlooked by Alison DiLaurentis and her clique. Mona felt bullied and humiliated by Alison, and her transformation into “A” was her way of exacting revenge and taking back control. She expertly manipulated technology, exploited the Liars’ deepest secrets, and delighted in causing chaos in their lives. Her reign as “A” was characterized by a desire to make the Liars feel as insignificant and powerless as she had felt. While eventually institutionalized, her impact on the Liars was undeniable, forever changing their perception of trust and safety.
CeCe Drake/Charlotte DiLaurentis: The Reign of “A.D.”
After Mona’s unmasking, the torment continued, escalating in intensity and complexity. This led to the introduction of “A.D.,” also known as Uber A. The ultimate reveal identified this figure as CeCe Drake, later revealed to be Charlotte DiLaurentis, Alison’s transgender sibling. Charlotte’s motivation was rooted in her unstable upbringing and the perceived injustices she suffered due to her gender identity and family secrets. She blamed the Liars for Alison’s supposed death (before she was revealed to be alive), seeing them as responsible for the pain and isolation she endured. Her methods were more elaborate and dangerous than Mona’s, involving intricate schemes, psychological manipulation, and even physical harm. The “A.D.” game was a twisted form of revenge, fueled by years of resentment and a desperate need for control.
The Evolution of the “A” Game
The “A” game evolved throughout the series, reflecting the changing motivations and capabilities of each antagonist. Mona’s “A” was more about psychological torment and social manipulation, while Charlotte’s “A.D.” involved intricate plots and life-threatening situations. The constant threat of exposure and the feeling of being watched created a pervasive sense of paranoia and distrust among the Liars, forcing them to constantly question their relationships and alliances. This constant pressure tested their friendships and forced them to confront their deepest fears and insecurities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “A”
Here are some common questions surrounding the identity and motivations of “A,” addressed with detail and clarity:
FAQ 1: Was Mona working alone when she was “A”?
While Mona was the initial mastermind behind the “A” persona, she wasn’t entirely alone. She had a network of accomplices, although their involvement was often coerced or manipulated. Lucas Gottesman, for example, helped Mona with technological aspects of her plans. However, the strategic planning and execution were primarily Mona’s. She cultivated a sense of isolation and control, preferring to operate independently to maintain her power.
FAQ 2: Why did CeCe Drake specifically target the Liars as “A.D.”?
CeCe believed the Liars were responsible for Alison’s perceived death and the subsequent trauma she endured. She blamed them for the pain and suffering she experienced, seeing them as obstacles to her happiness and connection with Alison. The “A.D.” game was her way of making them pay for their supposed role in Alison’s disappearance and the unraveling of her family.
FAQ 3: Were there any other “A”s besides Mona and CeCe?
The series introduced other characters who were briefly suspected of being “A,” such as Toby Cavanaugh (who acted as “A” to protect Spencer) and Spencer Hastings (who was framed and brainwashed). However, these characters were never truly the core antagonists. They were either acting under duress or were victims of manipulation themselves. Mona and CeCe remained the primary and defining “A” figures.
FAQ 4: What was the “Endgame” that “A.D.” was pursuing?
CeCe’s “Endgame” was centered around reuniting with her sister, Alison, and creating a twisted version of family and control. She wanted to manipulate the Liars into bringing Alison back into her life, forcing them to play a game that would ultimately serve her selfish desires. The “Endgame” was less about revenge and more about creating a fabricated sense of connection and belonging.
FAQ 5: Did the “A” storyline stay true to the original book series?
While the Pretty Little Liars television series was based on the book series by Sara Shepard, the “A” storyline diverged significantly. In the books, “A” is never definitively revealed, and the mystery remains open-ended. The television series provided concrete answers and resolutions, but these differed considerably from the book’s narrative.
FAQ 6: How did “A” manage to know everything about the Liars?
The “A” persona relied on a combination of surveillance, hacking, and manipulation to gather information about the Liars. They tapped into their phones, computers, and social media accounts, and they also cultivated informants within their social circle. The constant threat of exposure forced the Liars to be secretive and suspicious, making it easier for “A” to exploit their vulnerabilities.
FAQ 7: Was it realistic for “A” to have so much power and resources?
The power and resources attributed to “A” were often exaggerated for dramatic effect, stretching the bounds of realism. The series frequently required viewers to suspend disbelief and accept that “A” could manipulate events and individuals with seemingly unlimited resources. This heightened sense of danger and intrigue was essential to the show’s captivating narrative.
FAQ 8: Did the Liars ever truly escape the influence of “A”?
Even after the unmasking of Mona and CeCe, the Liars were forever marked by their experiences. The trauma and paranoia they endured left lasting scars, impacting their relationships and their ability to trust others. While they eventually found a measure of peace and closure, the shadow of “A” always lingered in their lives.
FAQ 9: How did the show handle the transgender representation in the CeCe Drake storyline?
The portrayal of CeCe Drake as a transgender character sparked considerable controversy. Many critics argued that the storyline reinforced harmful stereotypes and misrepresented the experiences of transgender individuals. The show’s writers later acknowledged these criticisms and attempted to address the issues in subsequent episodes, but the initial portrayal remained a point of contention.
FAQ 10: Who helped CeCe as “A.D.”?
Several individuals aided CeCe in her reign of terror as “A.D.”. Prominently, Sara Harvey was her right-hand woman. Other characters were manipulated or coerced into helping CeCe, but Sara was the only consistent and willing participant.
FAQ 11: What happened to Mona after CeCe was revealed as “A.D.”?
After CeCe’s death, Mona became a key figure in solving the mysteries surrounding “A.D.”‘s identity. She even manipulated Alison’s twin sister, Alex Drake, who became the ultimate antagonist after CeCe. Mona, in a twist ending, seemingly imprisoned Alex and her girlfriend Mary Drake in her dollhouse, gaining a measure of control and perhaps finally finding a way to atone for her past actions.
FAQ 12: Was there a satisfying conclusion to the “A” storyline?
Whether the conclusion to the “A” storyline was satisfying is subjective and highly debated among fans. While the show provided answers to the central mysteries, many felt that the reveal of Alex Drake as the ultimate “A.D.” was rushed and lacked the emotional depth of previous reveals. The complexity of the narrative and the numerous plot twists made it difficult to satisfy all viewers, and the final resolution remains a point of contention.
Conclusion: The Legacy of “A”
The “A” storyline in Pretty Little Liars was a defining element of the series, captivating audiences with its intricate mysteries, shocking twists, and compelling characters. While the identity of “A” evolved throughout the show, the underlying themes of revenge, betrayal, and the power of secrets remained constant. The Liars’ journey to uncover the truth forced them to confront their own demons and forge unbreakable bonds, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with fans today. The question of “Who is A?” may have been answered, but the impact of “A” on Rosewood and its inhabitants will forever be a part of the Pretty Little Liars narrative.