Role-playing

Prosōpopoeia is direct speech in character, inserted into a narrative or argument. This chapter examines prosōpopoeia in its rhetorical and literary contexts: it represents words which are appropriate to a character but hypothetical (what she would have said if). It evokes emotion in an audience but is often viewed as theatrical and therefore risky speech. Particular anxiety focused on the idea of the orator speaking the words of someone whose nature clashed with that of the ideal orator (male, educated, authoritative). This chapter therefore sketches out ancient attitudes to public speech by women or those of low status, attending also to their portrayal in literature or on the stage. The chapter concludes with some reflections on the performing body in ancient culture: it is not just the words, but the body which utters them which convey authority and effect persuasion.