Epiphany (trope): Difference between revisions

An '''Epiphany''' (from the ancient Greek ἐπιφάνεια, ''epiphaneia'', "manifestation, striking appearance") is an experience of a sudden and striking realization. Generally the term is used to describe scientific breakthroughs, or religious or philosophical discoveries, but it can apply in any situation in which an enlightening realization allows a problem or situation to be understood from a new and deeper perspective. Here at All The Tropes, we employ it primarily to describe any illuminating discovery, realization, disclosure, or insight used as a device for [[Character Development]]. This is usually a life-changing revelation on some (or ''all'') levels, and can be the critical moment that leads to a [[Heel Face Turn]] -- or [[Face Heel Turn|its opposite]]. An '''Epiphany''' often leaves its subject momentarily stunned as the world makes a complete paradigm shift around him.