Which shot features a figure that is small in the frame, occupying half the frame height or less?

The best choice for a shot featuring a figure that is small in the frame and occupies half the frame height or less is the Long Shot. Long Shots are used to show subjects in relation to their surroundings, emphasizing the environment more than the figure itself. This allows viewers to grasp the context, scale, and setting in which the character exists.

In a Long Shot, while the subject may be recognizable, they appear diminutive within the broader scene, which typically includes background elements. This shot can help establish mood, setting, or the character's situation within a larger narrative, illustrating the importance of an environment in storytelling.

Medium Long Shots, for example, usually frame the subject from the knees up and would not satisfy the criteria where the figure is significantly smaller. An Extreme Close-up would focus tightly on a specific detail of a subject, excluding the context of the entire figure. Establishing Shots, while they can show wide scenes, are often more about context rather than directly including a small figure in relation to it.

Hence, Long Shot is the ideal choice for depicting a figure that is small in the frame, emphasizing the surrounding environment and context.