colon
n. countablen. a punctuation mark (:) that you use to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation. It tells the reader that more information is coming next.
n. a punctuation mark used to introduce a list, a quotation, or an explanation that expands upon the preceding clause. Often used to link two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first.
The author uses a colon to create a dramatic pause, forcing the reader to focus on the single word that follows as the ultimate resolution of the plot.
Typically follows a complete independent clause; the information following it does not necessarily need to be a full sentence.
I bought: apples and pears.I bought several items: apples and pears.A colon should follow a complete sentence, not a verb or preposition.