Which of the following appeals to personal character and credibility in Aristotle's proofs?

The correct answer, focusing on the appeal to personal character and credibility, is ethos. Ethos is one of the three rhetorical appeals defined by Aristotle, and it specifically refers to the credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker. When a speaker uses ethos, they are working to establish their own character and integrity in order to gain the audience's confidence. This can involve highlighting their own qualifications, moral values, and the relevant experiences that make them a trustworthy source on the topic being discussed.

In contrast, the other appeals—logos, pathos, and mythos—focus on different aspects of persuasion. Logos appeals to logic and reason, providing evidence and factual information to support arguments. Pathos appeals to the audience's emotions, aiming to elicit feelings that will lead them to embrace the speaker’s message. Mythos pertains to the narrative and cultural stories that shape an audience's collective beliefs and values. Each of these plays a unique role in persuasion, but ethos directly addresses the speaker's personal character and credibility, forming the foundation of trust necessary for effective communication.