The mystery of "A" has captivated audiences for over a decade, spanning multiple series and generations of Liars. As of December 18, 2025, the Pretty Little Liars franchise remains highly relevant, primarily due to the success of the new iteration, *Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin*, which has been renewed for a second season titled *Pretty Little Liars: Summer School*. Whether you're a devoted fan of the original Rosewood crew or just catching up with the new Liars in Millwood, understanding the sprawling cast of main characters, the actors who play them, and the identities of the relentless antagonists is key to navigating the secrets of the franchise.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the core cast of the original series, the current reboot, and reveals the shocking identities of the notorious blackmailer, "A," across both timelines. The franchise's enduring appeal lies in its complex web of secrets, and knowing the players is the first step to unlocking the truth.
The Original Rosewood Liars and Core Cast (2010–2017)
The series that started it all, based on the novels by Sara Shepard, centered on a group of four friends whose lives were turned upside down after the disappearance of their queen bee, Alison DiLaurentis. The core group of "Liars" and their main confidants formed the backbone of the seven-season mystery set in the fictional town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania.
- Aria Montgomery (Lucy Hale): The artistic, free-spirited Liar known for her complicated relationship with her English teacher, Ezra Fitz.
- Spencer Hastings (Troian Bellisario): The highly intelligent, competitive, and often stressed Liar from the wealthy and secretive Hastings family.
- Hanna Marin (Ashley Benson): The fashion-forward, formerly bullied Liar whose sharp wit often masks her insecurities.
- Emily Fields (Shay Mitchell): The loyal, athletic Liar who struggles with her sexuality and is often the emotional center of the group.
- Alison DiLaurentis (Sasha Pieterse): The manipulative but charismatic "Queen Bee" whose mysterious disappearance and eventual return drive the entire series.
- Mona Vanderwaal (Janel Parrish): Initially a former outcast turned popular girl and later one of the most complex, morally gray characters in the franchise.
- Ezra Fitz (Ian Harding): Aria's love interest, a high school teacher with a connection to Alison’s past.
- Caleb Rivers (Tyler Blackburn): Hanna's primary love interest and a skilled hacker.
- Toby Cavanaugh (Keegan Allen): Spencer's love interest and a former suspect in Alison's disappearance.
The Millwood Liars: Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and Summer School
The latest and most successful spin-off, *Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin*, premiered in 2022 and introduced a new generation of Liars in the neighboring, blue-collar town of Millwood, Oregon. The series, which has a darker, more horror-focused tone, continues the legacy with a fresh cast and a new, terrifying "A." The second season is titled *Pretty Little Liars: Summer School*, which premiered in 2024, keeping the focus on the same core group.
- Imogen Adams (Bailee Madison): The group's de facto leader, a pregnant, resilient high schooler dealing with past trauma.
- Tabby Haworthe (Chandler Kinney): An aspiring filmmaker and horror movie enthusiast who is quick to connect the dots.
- Noa Olivar (Maia Reficco): A track star recently released from juvenile detention who is trying to get her life back on track.
- Faran Bryant (Zaria): A focused and disciplined ballet dancer dealing with racial microaggressions and body image issues.
- Minnie "Mouse" Honrada (Malia Pyles): The quietest of the group, a computer whiz who deals with her own hidden trauma.
- Karen Beasley (Mallory Bechtel): The town's resident "mean girl" and the primary antagonist for the Liars in the first season.
- Archie Waters (Travis Patton): The physical embodiment of the new "A."
- Sheriff Beasley (Eric Johnson): Karen's father and the town's chief law enforcement.
The Shocking Identities of 'A': Unmasking the Master Blackmailers
The central pillar of the entire Pretty Little Liars franchise is the anonymous, menacing figure known only as "A," who stalks, blackmails, and tortures the Liars. The identity of "A" has changed over the years, leading to some of the most shocking reveals in modern television history. Understanding who was behind the black hoodie is essential to understanding the series' mythology.
The Original 'A's: Mona, Charlotte, and Alex Drake
The original seven-season run of Pretty Little Liars featured a complex hierarchy of "A" figures, with each one building upon the terror of the last. The identity of "A" was not a single person, but a progression of antagonists.
- The First 'A' (Seasons 1–2): Mona Vanderwaal. Mona was the first to don the black hoodie. Her motivation stemmed from being bullied by Alison DiLaurentis and a desire to take Alison’s place as the Queen Bee, eventually targeting the other Liars when they became friends with her.
- Big 'A' / 'A.D.' (Seasons 3–6A): Charlotte DiLaurentis. Revealed to be CeCe Drake, Alison’s transgender cousin (later retconned to be her sister, the daughter of Mary Drake), Charlotte took over the game from Mona. Her deep-seated psychological issues and connection to the DiLaurentis family secrets drove her campaign of terror.
- Uber 'A' / 'A.D.' (Seasons 6B–7): Alex Drake. The final and most terrifying "A" was revealed to be Alex Drake, Spencer Hastings' identical twin sister. Alex's motivation was jealousy and a desire to take over Spencer’s life, fueled by her connection to Charlotte DiLaurentis.
The New 'A' in Millwood
The reboot introduced a new "A" with a much darker, more slasher-film-inspired persona, directly tying the blackmailer’s actions to a 20-year-old tragedy involving the mothers of the new Liars.
- The 'Original Sin' A: Archie Waters and Principal Clanton. The man in the mask was revealed to be Archie Waters, the mentally disturbed, deformed brother of Angela Waters, a girl who died by suicide in 1999 after being bullied by the Liars' mothers. Archie was carrying out the revenge plot orchestrated by his father, Principal Clanton.
The Expanding Pretty Little Liars Universe
To establish topical authority, it's important to note that the *Pretty Little Liars* franchise extends beyond the main two series. The universe includes several other spin-offs and web series, though none have achieved the success of the original or *Original Sin*.
- Ravenswood (2013–2014): A supernatural spin-off centered on Caleb Rivers, which was canceled after one season.
- Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists (2019): A sequel series that followed Mona Vanderwaal and Alison DiLaurentis in a new town, Beacon Heights, but was also canceled after one season.
- Pretty Dirty Secrets (2012): A web series bridging the gap between seasons of the original show.
The franchise continues to evolve, shifting from the mystery-thriller of Rosewood to the horror-slasher elements of Millwood. The new cast, led by Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, and the others, has successfully reignited the fandom, proving that the secret-keeping, text-message-blackmailing spirit of "A" is truly immortal. With *Pretty Little Liars: Summer School* now the current focus, fans are eagerly awaiting the next wave of secrets and scares from the Millwood Liars.
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