Word Etymology - Persona

The word persona has been popularized by Jungian psychology in recent years and has taken on a psychological meaning that is not present in the words original meaning and context. The word persona has also been used in theater quite extensively in reference to taking on a certain role and personality. But the origins of the word persona are quite simple.

The word persona is Latin and literally means "person." While the word later in Latin literature was used with the word 'grata' to refer to "an acceptable person" the meaning of the word persona did not change or morph.

What does it mean to Storytelling: The usage of the the word persona is interesting to storytellers and actors because we really don't think about what we are saying when we say we are putting on a persona or personifying someone. We are using the word in this context to suggest that we are taking on the role of that person, that we are essentially putting on that person, becoming them if you will, for the duration of our performance. I think it is important we take this seriously as storytellers because half halfheartedly trying to take on a persona is galling and makes for a very pitiful performance. If we are taking on a different persona then our own we need to put all the energy and pay attention to the minutia of the person and their character that we are portraying.