Pathos appeals to the emotions of the audience and elicits feelings that already reside in them. Pathos is a communication technique used most often in rhetoric, as well as in literature, film and other narrative art.
What is an example of pathos?
Examples of pathos can be seen in language that draws out feelings such as pity or anger in an audience: "If we don't move soon, we're all going to die! Can't you see how dangerous it would be to stay?"
What is pathos in writing?
Pathos, or the appeal to emotion, means to persuade an audience by purposely evoking certain emotions to make them feel the way the author wants them to feel. Authors make deliberate word choices, use meaningful language, and use examples and stories that evoke emotion.