Pathos (noun)

1. An element in art or literature that evokes a feeling of pity or compassion.
2. The quality in a work of art that evokes feelings of pity or compassion in the audience.

Origin:

From greek πάθος (páthos) "suffering, feeling, emotion".

Examples:

1. The novel's protagonist evokes pathos in the reader as they struggle to survive in a harsh world.
2. The painting's portrayal of a mother and child evokes feelings of pathos in the viewer.
3. The actor"s portrayal of the character"s tragic history evokes pathos in the audience.
4. The movie"s portrayal of a young girl"s loss of innocence evokes feelings of pathos in the viewer.
5. The novel"s portrayal of a man"s longing for his lost love evokes pathos in the reader.