Character

Definition

Character refers to the moral and ethical qualities that define an individual or a narrative voice, influencing how they are perceived by others. In persuasive communication and storytelling, character plays a crucial role as it establishes credibility and fosters emotional connections with the audience, allowing for a more impactful message delivery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character is essential in storytelling as it drives the plot and engages the audience through relatable traits and conflicts.
2. The development of character can significantly affect the audience's perception of the message being conveyed, enhancing its effectiveness.
3. Characters can represent specific values or themes, making them a powerful tool for persuasion in both narratives and speeches.
4. In persuasive communication, strong character can help overcome objections and resistance from the audience by building trust.
5. Effective storytellers often use character backstories to create empathy and deeper connections with their audience.

Review Questions

• How does character influence the effectiveness of persuasive communication?
  • Character influences persuasive communication by establishing credibility and relatability. When a speaker or storyteller demonstrates strong moral qualities and authenticity, they can gain the audience's trust, making their message more impactful. This trust can lead to greater persuasion, as audiences are more likely to be influenced by those they see as honest and reliable.
• In what ways can character development enhance a narrative arc in storytelling?
  • Character development enhances a narrative arc by creating depth and complexity within the story. As characters evolve through challenges and conflicts, their growth can drive the plot forward, leading to meaningful resolutions. This development keeps the audience engaged and invested in the outcome, as they witness the transformation and learn valuable lessons alongside the characters.
• Evaluate the role of character in shaping emotional appeal within persuasive storytelling.
  • Character plays a pivotal role in shaping emotional appeal by embodying values and experiences that resonate with the audience. When characters face struggles or triumphs that reflect common human experiences, they evoke empathy and connection. This emotional engagement not only enhances the persuasive power of the message but also encourages audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and actions, potentially leading to behavior change.

Related terms

Ethos:

A rhetorical appeal to credibility or ethical character, often used to persuade an audience by establishing trustworthiness.

Narrative Arc: The structure of a story that includes the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, shaping how characters evolve throughout the plot.

Emotional Appeal: A persuasive technique that aims to evoke strong feelings in the audience to influence their thoughts and actions.