What is Ethos Pathos and Logos?
Screenwriting is all about persuasion. To create a compelling script, you must convince an audience to believe in your characters, invest in their struggles, and stay engaged in the world you’ve built. That’s where ethos, pathos, and logos come in. These three persuasive appeals—introduced by Aristotle over 2,000 years ago—are still essential to storytelling today.
Ethos, pathos, and logos, also known as the rhetorical triangle, is three modes of persuasion that can be used to craft a story that resonates. From dramas, comedies, to thrillers and even horrors (just ask the great Stephen King!), the rhetorical triangle is effective in all genres.
In today’s blog, we’ll explore all three points of the rhetorical triangle, examine its role in film, and show you how you can use it to enhance your screenplays. As always, look out for some killer examples of each from some of our favorite movies!
“There are, then, these three means of effecting persuasion. The man who is to be in command of them must, it is clear, be able (1) to reason logically, (2) to understand human character and goodness in their various forms, and (3) to understand the emotions-that is, to name them and describe them, to know their causes and the way in which they are excited.”
Aristotle (The Art of Rhetoric)
Understanding the Rhetorical Triangle
As mentioned, the rhetorical triangle is made up of three persuasive elements: ethos, pathos, and logos. Here’s a closer look at each one and how they work together to engage your audience:
Ethos (Credibility)
Builds trust in a character or storyteller
Pathos (Emotion)
Creates an emotional connection with the audience
Logos (Logic)
Ensures the story makes sense and follows a logical structure.
While these elements are often discussed in the context of speeches and essays, they are just as vital in the world of storytelling.
Now we have a basic understanding of the rhetorical triangle, let’s see each of its methods in action.
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Ethos in Film
Ethos refers to credibility and ethics, which in film often translate into believable characters, moral dilemmas, and immersive world-building. If an audience doesn’t find a character or story credible, they won’t stay engaged in the narrative.
Character Credibility
A character’s ethos is determined by their actions, reputation and consistency. Consider how a protagonist’s credibility is built through their expertise or moral standing.
Take Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr.’s distinct portrayals of Sherlock Holmes; both versions showcase meticulous deductive reasoning and vast knowledge, establishing the character as an authority figure and reinforcing his credibility.
But ethos isn’t always about moral righteousness. Antiheroes like Walter White from Breaking Bad, or Scarface’s Tony Montana maintain their credibility by being consistent in their motivations and skills—even when their actions are unethical.
Moral Dilemmas
Ethos also plays a crucial role in storytelling when characters are faced with difficult moral choices. Films like The Dark Knight challenge characters with ethical dilemmas that test their values to the limit. Batman’s struggles between being a vigilante and a true symbol of morality embody this credibility. We constantly see his reputation as Gotham’s protector challenged by his own actions and the Joker’s manipulations.
World Building
Another critical aspect of ethos in film is world-building. A story’s world must be believable and internally consistent to maintain credibility.
This is particularly important in science fiction and fantasy films such as Blade Runner 2049 (2017) or The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) where they establish rich and immersive environments with their own detailed histories, cultures and rules.
When world-building is strong, audiences are more likely to suspend disbelief and fully engage with the story. A well-developed setting ensures that characters’ actions and conflicts feel natural within the world the writer has created, reinforcing the film’s overall persuasiveness.
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Pathos in Film
Pathos appeals to emotion. It’s what makes the audience laugh, cry, and sit on the edge of their seats. Films that master this create deeply resonant moments that stick with viewers long after the credits roll.
Emotional Connection with Characters
Pathos strengthens the audience’s bond with characters by making them emotionally compelling and relatable. Pixar frequently uses pathos to create emotional depth. Up delivers one of the most heart-wrenching opening sequences in cinema, using a montage of Carl and Ellie’s life together—without a single word of dialogue.
Audience Connection
Strong emotional storytelling doesn’t always have to be tragic, of course, and it’s not just limited to film. Television uses this persuasive technique to make characters feel real and relatable.
We see a vast range of emotions in comedies like The Office which creates connection through relatable humor and character-driven moments.
For example, when Jim finally confesses his love for Pam, audiences are rooting for them because of the emotional investment built over multiple seasons, culminating in an intimate secret boat wedding, away from the chaos of their coworkers, that adds a heartfelt touch to a highly anticipated moment.
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Logos in Film
Logos represents logic, structure and reasoning, ensuring that a film’s world operates under consistent rules an audience can follow.
Story Logic and Consistency
A well-structured screenplay follows internal logic. Take science fiction movie Inception (2010), which establishes a complex world governed by clear rules. The concept of dream levels and the ‘kick’—a method of waking up—adheres to its own internal logic, creating a world that feels immersive and believable.
This consistency keeps the audience engaged, leaving no room for doubt.
Cause and Effect in Storytelling
A logical chain of cause-and-effect chain is essential for audience engagement. Every decision a character makes, it should lead to logical consequences. This is the case in Breaking Bad (2008-2013) exemplifies this, as Walter White’s actions always have repercussions, making his descent into the criminal underworld feel earned rather than forced.
Detective and Mystery Stories
Detective films heavily rely on logos, challenging audiences to think critically. Movies like Se7en and Knives Out plant carefully structured clues throughout their narratives, encouraging viewers to piece together the mystery. This respect for audience intelligence makes the reveals feel satisfying rather than random.
“Rhetoric then may be defined as the faculty of discovering the possible means of persuasion in reference to any subject whatever.”
– Aristotle
Examples of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Popular Movies and TV Shows
Now we’ve explored ethos, pathos and logos separately, let’s look at how these rhetorical elements work together to bring some of the best stories in film and TV to life.
The Dark Knight (2008)
We sure love Batman here at Celtx, and Christopher Nolan’s storytelling is so compelling, we had to mention it twice in today’s article.
- Ethos: In the movie, ethos is used to showcase Batman’s credibility as Gotham’s hero, which is challenged both by the Joker and Bruce Wayne’s internal struggles.
- Pathos: Harvey Dent’s tragic fall evokes sympathy from the audience, creating emotional stakes through pathos.
- Logos: The Joker’s elaborate schemes follow a twisted yet logical pattern, staying true to his character.
Related Reading: The Bear, The Batman, and Barbie: Starting Strong in Storytelling
Toy Story (1995)
Returning to Pixar now, and the first installment in the Toy Story series.
- Ethos: Revolves around Woody’s leadership being questioned when space ranger Buzz Lightyear arrives in Andy’s room.
- Pathos: The fear of being replaced by a brand-new toy and losing Andy’s affections is a universal emotion.
- Logos: The toys’ world follows strict rules, and their behavior remains logically consistent. For example, the toys stop moving whenever there’s a chance a human might see them.
Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s black comedy thriller has had audiences gripped in recent years.
- Ethos: Centers on the Kim family’s deceptive skills, making them credible manipulators throughout the story.
- Pathos: The emotional stakes are driven by the stark divide between the rich and poor
- Logos: The story’s meticulous setup pays off logically in the movie’s climax, proving logos is essential in its structure.
By weaving these elements seamlessly into storytelling, screenwriters and filmmakers create works that are both intellectually and emotionally engaging.
Inside Out (2015)
We know what you’re thinking – another Pixar pick? Well, Pixar are truly some of the best storytellers in the business with writers who meticulously plan and craft their narratives into stories that are intellectually and emotionally engaging.
- Ethos: The film’s personification of emotions lends credibility to its psychological themes.
- Pathos: Riley’s struggles with growing up and her emotional turmoil resonate with audiences of all ages.
- Logos: The depiction of how emotions interact within the mind follows a consistent and logical framework..
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
From the world of Pixar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
In this action-packed tale:
- Ethos: Tony Stark’s journey from self-centered billionaire to self-sacrificing hero solidifies his credibility.
- Pathos: The emotional weight of the final battle and the loss of beloved characters evoke pathos, as the audience has formed a strong connection with them.
- Logos: The plot is filled with time travel, and the movie’s consistency in explaining the rules of time travel allows us to follow the story’s logos effectively.
If you fancy delving deeper into the rhetorical triangle in movies, check out this awesome article from Dorkaholics all about ethos, logos and pathos in famous film speeches.
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How to Use the Rhetorical Triangle in Your Screenplay
Understanding ethos, pathos, and logos is one thing, but how do you implement these elements into your own screenplays?
Here are our top tips for applying the rhetorical triangle to strengthen your next script:
1. Build Credible Characters with Ethos
Give your protagonist a strong moral compass or expertise that make them believable and integral to the narrative. Use their dialogue and actions to reinforce that credibility, instead of relying on exposition.
Ensure that your world’s rules are consistent and logically sound, especially if you’re writing a fantasy or science fiction script.
2. Craft Emotionally Resonant Moments with Pathos
Develop deep motivations for your characters that the audience can relate to. Set high stakes and show your characters’ vulnerability and internal conflict.
To deepen emotional resonance, consider using music, pacing, and visuals within your script, while avoiding heavy-handedness.
Related Reading: Hook, Hold, and Deliver: The Screenwriter’s Guide to Pacing
3. Maintain Story Progression by Using Logos
Create a clear cause-and-effect narrative structure that supports your character’s journey toward their goal. Avoid plot holes and plan out your character’s decisions and their consequences.
Leverage logic to enhance any twists or surprises in the plot, ensuring they are well-foreshadowed.
Conclusion
The best screenwriters not only tell stories—they persuade audiences to believe in the world they’ve created. By mastering the rhetorical triangle, you can craft screenplays that resonate, entertain, and leave a lasting impact.
TL;DR: Ethos ensures that characters and their decisions are believable, pathos forms the emotional core that keeps audiences invested, and logos provides the structure that makes the narrative coherent and satisfying.
So next time you sit down to write, ask yourself: Is my character credible? Will the audience feel something? Does my story make sense? If you can confidently answer these questions, you’re already on your way to writing a compelling screenplay.
For more on writing compelling screenplays, make sure to check out our Mastering the Art of Screenwriting series where we cover how to write a script in every genre, from comedy to horror!
Ready to bring more depth to your characters? Start crafting your script with Celtx today.
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