Final answer:
A character's attitude toward or way of regarding something in literature is known as tone. It reflects the author's approach to the subject and can be determined through the choice of words and overall writing style. Tone can vary greatly, from formal to sarcastic, altering the mood of the literary work. The correct answer is option: C) Tone.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, a character's attitude regarding something is known as tone. Tone refers to the general character or attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc. It is the author's characteristic approach towards the subject matter and can be discerned through the author's choice of words and style. For instance, in Shakespeare's works, Hamlet exhibits a dark and scathing tone, whereas A Midsummer Night's Dream possesses a tone that is dreamlike and cheery.
The tone is not just applicable to one or two sentences but can influence specific paragraphs and sometimes the entirety of the text. When analyzing tone, it is important to consider the diction, or the overall word choice, used by the author that can convey various tones such as informal, formal, sarcastic, or playful. The selection of words like 'joyful' instead of 'happy' or 'seething' instead of 'angry' can greatly affect the tone or feeling of the story.