Which of these is not a required characteristic of an effective persuasive essay?

In a persuasive essay, the primary goal is to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument. While it's beneficial to consider a range of readers and their perspectives, addressing every potential reader is not a requirement for effectiveness. An effective persuasive essay primarily focuses on articulating the writer's stance, providing evidence, and countering opposing viewpoints.

Choosing a side of the argument is essential, as it's the foundation of persuasion; listing counterarguments helps strengthen the position by preemptively addressing potential objections; and providing background information can enhance the reader's understanding of the topic. While considering the audience is important, it’s neither practical nor necessary to tailor the content to appeal universally to all potential readers, which makes this characteristic non-essential for the success of a persuasive essay.