General terms:
* Epiphany: This is a classic term for a sudden moment of understanding, often accompanied by a feeling of revelation. It's often used when the realization is transformative or changes a character's perspective.
* Realization: This is a straightforward term for the act of understanding something.
* Aha! moment: This is a more casual and playful term, used for a moment of insight or discovery.
* Turning point: This term emphasizes the significance of the realization in changing the course of the story.
More specific terms:
* Anagnorisis: This is a term from classical Greek tragedy, referring to the moment when a character recognizes their own flaws or the true nature of their situation.
* Catharsis: This term also comes from Greek tragedy, and it refers to the emotional release experienced by the character (and potentially the audience) after a moment of realization.
* Climax: This term can be used if the moment of realization is the highest point of tension in the story.
The best term to use will depend on the specific situation in your story.
Example:
* In a coming-of-age story, a young character might have an epiphany about their true purpose in life.
* A detective might have an aha! moment when they realize who the killer is.
* A character in a romantic comedy might have a realization that they are in love with their best friend.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a term that accurately reflects the nature of the realization and its significance in the story.