What rhetorical technique is illustrated when someone misrepresents an opponent's position to make it easier to attack?

The technique illustrated by misrepresenting an opponent's position to make it easier to attack is known as the Straw Man fallacy. This rhetorical strategy involves creating a distorted or simplified version of the opponent's argument, which can then be easily refuted or criticized. By doing so, the person using this technique can claim victory over an argument that their opponent never actually made, rather than addressing the original, more complex position. This tactic is often employed in debates and discussions to undermine an opponent's credibility and distract from the actual issues at hand.

In contrast, Ad Hominem attacks target the individual rather than the argument itself, while Appeal to Ignorance relies on a lack of evidence to support a claim. Begging the Question assumes the truth of the conclusion within the premise, rather than representing arguments in a weakened form. The Straw Man is unique for its focus on misrepresentation as a means of attack.