anagnórisis

Anagnorisis is a term from narrative theory meaning a moment of recognition. Derived from Greek, it combines elements meaning “up” or “again” and “to know,” and it refers to the point at which a character realizes a crucial truth—often another character’s identity, a hidden lineage, or a previously concealed circumstance.

In classical rhetoric and tragedy, anagnorisis marks the transition from ignorance to knowledge and often coincides with a peripeteia, or reversal of fortune. Aristotle described it as a turning point that intensifies the emotional and moral stakes of the plot, driving the resolution of the story. The recognition can be triggered by dialogue, appearances, or a revealing coincidence, and it frequently alters a character’s motives and relationships.

Forms of anagnorisis include recognizing kin or foes, discovering illegitimate parentage, or uncovering a critical misapprehension about events. A canonical example is Oedipus Rex, in which Oedipus learns the truth about his own origins and his role in past crimes, a revelation that transforms his status from heroic king to a figure of tragedy. Anagnorisis also appears in later literature and film, where a protagonist discovers hidden loyalties, mistaken identities, or corrupt schemes, thereby reshaping the narrative direction.

Today, anagnorisis remains a common device for catalyzing dramatic change. It emphasizes the moment when meaning crystallizes for a character and, by extension, for the audience, often linking discovery with consequences that propel the story toward its climax or conclusion.