Vir Bonus is a common topic among Cicero and Quintilian. Vir bonus meaning good man, speaking well. To delve into this definition, it means a man of good character and virtue that speaks well, through rhetoric. A second meaning is to speak well of a good or virtuous man. Cicero tends to side with Aristotle when it comes to epideictic rhetoric and giving praise or blame. Cicero wants the audience to be happy and enjoy what the author is saying. He believes that when praising someone for a virtuous deed such as, “done without profit or reward” as he states on page 167. Quintilian however believes that this should only be used for, “the betterment of the community.” (168-169) This would be for something such as a funeral service or in a court.

This is such a concern to roman rhetoricians because it is important to capture the audience’s attention and hold it for as long as possible. This will also put them in a good mood (pathos) so they can readily accept the logos that is almost imminent.