Epiphany (trope)

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 breakthrough, 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 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 its opposite. An Epiphany often leaves its subject momentarily stunned as the world makes a complete paradigm shift around him.

Super-Trope to
 * Epiphany Comeback
 * Epiphany Therapy
 * Heel Realization
 * Ignored Epiphany

Compare Anagnorisis, Eureka Moment.

Anime and Manga

 * The ride Raimu gives Hane in episode 1 of Bakuon!!, which pushes Hane over the line from "motorcycles are kinda cool" to "I MUST HAVE ONE!"