unfold
v.v. to open something that was folded, or to happen slowly over time. You use it when a story or a plan starts to become clear as it develops.
v. to open or spread out from a folded state; figuratively, to develop or happen gradually. Often used to describe the progression of a narrative or a series of events.
We watched the drama unfold on the news.
As the investigation began to unfold, the police discovered several pieces of evidence that changed their theory.
The director allows the plot to unfold at a deliberate pace, ensuring that the audience feels the full weight of each character's revelation.
From Middle English unfolden, from Old English unfealdan (“to unfold”), equivalent to un- + fold.
From un- + fold (“to confine into a fold or pen”).
The verb can be used transitively (to unfold a map) or intransitively (the story unfolds).