Explanation
Prosopographia first makes a person present through visible features: face, posture, clothing, or distinctive traits are arranged into a perceptible figure. Appearance may suggest character, but the figure does not by itself portray inner disposition or manner of speech.
Example
Beneath the heavy brows the eyes remained bright and alert; the oversized coat nearly swallowed the slender body.
Counterexample
She was brave and just. This characterises inner qualities but does not describe outward appearance.
Distinction
Unlike ethopoeia, it does not primarily portray character; unlike prosopopoeia, it does not give voice to the absent or nonhuman. Effictio often denotes a more comprehensive head-to-foot bodily description.
Effect on thought and perception
Shows how selected visible features bring a person into imaginative presence while already suggesting interpretations.
Resonance
Separate visible traits tune into a human figure whose presence exceeds the description.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Prosopographia“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-RHE-207-003. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-RHE-207-003The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.