Which rhetorical appeal focuses on credibility and character?

The rhetorical appeal that focuses on credibility and character is ethos. Ethos is concerned with establishing the author's or speaker's credibility and moral character, which helps to persuade the audience by emphasizing trustworthiness and authority. When a speaker effectively demonstrates their expertise or aligns themselves with shared values and experiences of the audience, they enhance their credibility, making their argument more persuasive.

Logos, on the other hand, refers to logical reasoning and the use of facts and evidence to support an argument. Pathos appeals to the emotions of the audience, aiming to evoke feelings that sway their perspective or response. Mythos relates to cultural narratives or stories that reflect the beliefs and values of a particular community but does not specifically address credibility or character in the same manner that ethos does. Thus, ethos is the correct answer as it directly pertains to the speaker's or writer's credibility and character.