Which term refers to the author's attitude towards the audience and characters?

The term that refers to the author's attitude towards the audience and characters is "tone." Tone encompasses the emotional quality and perspective communicated through the choice of words, the setting, and the narrative voice. It can vary widely—ranging from formal to informal, serious to humorous, and critical to supportive—allowing readers to gauge how the author feels about the subject matter and the characters involved.

Understanding tone is critical as it shapes the reader's response and engagement with the text. For example, a sarcastic tone can suggest that the author is mocking or ridiculing someone or something, while a compassionate tone may convey empathy or support. This nuanced approach helps readers interpret the underlying messages and feelings present in the work, enhancing their overall understanding of the material. The other terms mentioned—style, theme, and diction—represent different aspects of writing. Style pertains to the author's unique way of expressing ideas, theme refers to the central message or underlying meaning of a text, and diction focuses on word choice and vocabulary.