ABSTRACT
In this, our second chapter about empathy, we move from the theoretical and definitional perspectives and explore with research participants what helps evoke empathy for them in a piece of fiction. Perceived character authenticity and proximity to an event are discussed. Authorial ‘right to voice’ leads us to an ethical consideration, which we explore further through the lens of gender. We arc back to link these findings with the concept of critical empathy and complexity, before ending with an author’s discussion about books which have evoked empathy for us.
