Prosopea

Prosopea, derived from the Greek prosōpon meaning "face" or "mask," is a rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer impersonates an absent, dead, or imaginary person or thing, allowing that entity to speak or act. It is a form of personification, but differs in that it's not simply attributing human qualities, but rather granting a voice and agency to the absent entity.

Prosopea involves more than just mentioning or describing the absent figure; it requires the speaker or writer to convincingly assume the character's persona, delivering speech or actions as if they were originating directly from the impersonated entity. This can be used to add dramatic effect, emotional impact, or to argue a point from a different perspective.

The effectiveness of prosopea relies heavily on the writer's ability to authentically capture the voice, character, and perspective of the entity being impersonated. A successful prosopea makes the audience momentarily forget the speaker's own voice and accept the words as those of the impersonated figure.

While frequently found in literature, oratory, and drama, prosopea can also be employed in persuasive writing and even in everyday conversation, although often in less formal and elaborate ways. The purpose is to evoke a specific response or create a deeper connection with the audience by giving voice to something otherwise silent.

Prosopea is closely related to other rhetorical devices such as personification, apostrophe, and dramatic monologue. However, it is distinguished by its emphasis on complete impersonation and the granting of explicit speech or action to the absent entity.