Final answer:
The act of identifying with and feeling kinship for characters in a play is known as empathy. It enables the audience to connect with the characters on an emotional level due to the immersive nature of theatre and concept of catharsis described by Aristotle. The correct option in the final answer is B) Empathy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The act of identifying with and feeling kinship for characters in a play is known as empathy. This important aspect of theatre happens when the audience engages with the story and characters on stage, experiencing a range of emotions such as grief, hope, and anger. The historical and theoretical background supporting this idea can be traced to Aristotle's concept of catharsis, where he described the emotional response the audience has to the characters and their experiences.
He believed that through imitation of actions and consequences on stage, the audience would undergo an emotional purification, or catharsis, leading to an understanding of right and wrong. The immersion and live aspect of theatre accentuates this empathetic connection, allowing the audience to put themselves in the characters' shoes.
The proximity to the action and the shared experience within the confines of the theatre space itself makes for a deeply personal and emotional connection that often transcends the barriers between fiction and reality. This connection is further exemplified when people react to literature, movies, and other forms of art by investing themselves emotionally. They demonstrate sympathy and empathy as they respond to character arcs, cheering on protagonists or cautioning against dangers. The answer to the student's question is thus B) Empathy.