Pathos refers to the aspects of a literary work that elicit pity from the audience. Effective use of pathos is generally more understated rather than exaggerated. Stage directions provide specific instructions for a play, including sets, characterization, and delivery. They are written in italics or parenthesized within dialogue. A subplot is a secondary narrative line that explores different ideas from the main plot and can create more complex characters, reflect and enhance the main plot, influence its direction, or provide comic relief.