What is the term for a sudden moment of realization or insight experienced by a character?

The term "epiphany" refers to a sudden moment of realization or insight experienced by a character, often resulting in a profound understanding of themselves, their circumstances, or the larger world around them. This concept is frequently utilized in literature to highlight a pivotal transformation or growth within the character, marking a significant turning point in their narrative arc.

An epiphany can function as a catalyst for character development, guiding them toward new perspectives or choices. It tends to occur at crucial moments in the story, contributing to the work's thematic depth by illustrating how characters grapple with their identities and experiences.

Other terms like "revelation" could be related, but they often imply a broader or more general moment of disclosing information rather than the personal and transformative nature of an epiphany. Illumination, similarly, might suggest clarity but lacks the emotive and character-centric nuances that define an epiphany. Vision may connote foresight or ideality, but it does not encapsulate the essence of a sudden, personal insight in the same way.