noun
- a moment of sudden recognition or discovery, especially in literature when a character realizes an important truth about themselves or their situation
Usage: literary term; from Greek drama
Examples
- The anagnorisis occurs when Oedipus realizes he has killed his father and married his mother.
- Shakespeare’s tragedies often feature a powerful anagnorisis in the final act.
- The detective novel builds toward the anagnorisis when the murderer’s identity is revealed.
- Her anagnorisis came when she understood that her mentor had been manipulating her all along.
- The film’s anagnorisis transforms the protagonist from victim to hero.
- Critics praised the subtle anagnorisis that changed the entire meaning of the story.