Anagnorisis

Anagnorisis

ˌaˌnaɡˈnôrəsəs

Noun

  • The point in a play, novel, etc., in which a principal character recognizes or discovers another character’s true identity or the true nature of their own circumstances.

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Example Sentences

“My favorite part of any drama is the big reveal that happens at the anagnorisis.”

“The hallmark of a Scooby-Doo episode is the moment of anagnorisis when we finally see who is under the monster mask.”

“After the anagnorisis, the private investigator shared documents proving the true identity of the woman.”

Word Origin

Greek, late 18th century

Why this word?

The anagnorisis (the big reveal) has been a pivotal moment in some of cinema’s most memorable movies. One of the most famous examples is in “The Empire Strikes Back,” when audiences find out that Darth Vader is actually Luke Skywalker’s father. The word “anagnorisis” originated from the Greek words “ana” (“back”) and “gnorisis” (“to make known”), which combine as a loose translation of “recognition.”

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