What does "epiphany" signify in literature?

In literature, "epiphany" signifies a moment of realization or insight experienced by a character, often leading to a deeper understanding of themselves or their situation. This concept captures those transformative moments when a character recognizes a truth about their life or existence, resulting in significant personal growth or change in perspective.

This moment of clarity usually contrasts with prior confusion or ignorance, marking it as a pivotal event in the narrative. It often serves to advance the plot or develop themes central to the work, highlighting the character's development or the impact of their experiences.

The other options touch upon various aspects of character development and plot dynamics but do not encapsulate the specific essence of an epiphany. A gradual change in a character suggests a slow evolution rather than an immediate insight. A plot twist focuses on surprising developments rather than personal realization, and a character's moral dilemma pertains to ethical conflicts instead of the enlightening moments of clarity that define an epiphany.