Question

the term pathos is best defined as
an appeal to emotions.
the use of changes in tone.
an appeal to character.
the use of exaggeration.

Explanation:

Pathos is a rhetorical device. In rhetoric, pathos specifically refers to an appeal to emotions. For example, in a speech, a speaker might tell a sad story about a victim to evoke pity (an emotion) in the audience - this is using pathos. It is one of the three main rhetorical appeals (along with logos - appeal to logic and ethos - appeal to character/credibility).

Answer:

an appeal to emotions.