1. PATHOS
Greek for “suffering”
The aspects of a literary
work that elicit pity from
the audience
Pathos is generally more effective when
suffering is understated as opposed to
exaggerated.

2. PATHOS
Effective use of pathos
from Toy Story 3

3. STAGE DIRECTIONS
The specific instructions a playwright includes
concerning sets, characterization, delivery, etc.
Stage directions are put in italics.
Stage directions within dialogue are (italicized and
parenthesized).

4. STAGE DIRECTIONS
Two types:
• Actor directions
• Stage directions/production information

5. High-action stories, like Spiderman,
often come with a subplot concerning
interpersonal relationships
SUBPLOT
A secondary plot that explores ideas different from
the main plot
Remember ‘sub-’ means ‘under’ or ‘beneath’

6. SUBPLOTS:
• Create more lifelike characters
• Reflect and enhance action of main plot
• Influence the direction of the main plot
• Provide comic relief