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Literary Devices

Figure of Speech

Personification

Personification gives human qualities, characteristics, and emotions to non-human objects, animals, or concepts. It is a form of figurative language that uses metaphorical language to convey meaning and create vivid imagery. By personifying non-human entities, writers can help readers relate to them on a more personal level and make abstract concepts more concrete. Personification is often used in poetry and fiction, but can be found in many forms of writing

Personification presents a nonhuman thing as if it could act, feel, think, or communicate in a human way. The human attribution must shape how the subject is understood; vivid description alone is not enough.

The alarm clock scolded me from across the room.
The clock's sound is described as the human act of scolding.

See it in language

Examples of Personification

  1. The alarm clock scolded me from across the room.

    Instructional example

  2. The wind tugged impatiently at the locked door.

    Instructional example

    The wind receives the human actions and attitude of tugging impatiently.

  3. The old house groaned and settled into the night.

    Instructional example

    The house is presented as performing the human-like action of groaning.

Show more examples
  1. "The wind howled through the night, rattling the windows and shaking the doors." In this example, the wind is personified as a living being with the ability to howl and shake things.
  2. "The sun smiled down on the beach, warming the sand and inviting the swimmers." In this example, the sun is personified as having a human-like quality of smiling, which creates a positive and inviting atmosphere.
  3. "The moon danced in the sky, casting its silvery light on the darkened earth below." In this example, the moon is personified as having the ability to dance, which creates a sense of movement and energy in the scene.
  4. "The river whispered secrets to the rocks as it flowed gently by." In this example, the river is personified as having the ability to whisper and communicate, which adds a sense of intimacy and mystery to the scene.
  5. "The trees bowed their heads in the wind, as if paying homage to its power." In this example, the trees are personified as having a human-like quality of bowing, which creates a sense of reverence and respect for the natural world.

Read like an editor

How to recognize it

  1. Identify the nonhuman object, animal, idea, or natural force being described.
  2. Name the specifically human action, feeling, intention, or ability assigned to it.
  3. Check that the wording does more than create a vivid literal description.

Meaning and effect

Why writers use Personification

Animate description
Human actions make nonhuman subjects feel active and immediate.
Develop atmosphere
The attributed behavior can make a setting seem welcoming, hostile, mournful, or playful.
Reinforce meaning
Human qualities can connect an object or force to a character's concerns or a work's larger idea.

Common confusion

Personification vs. Pathetic Fallacy

Both give human qualities to nonhuman subjects, but pathetic fallacy specifically projects human emotion onto nature, often to reinforce atmosphere.

Personification

Broadly gives human action, feeling, intention, or ability to any nonhuman subject.

“The old house groaned in the wind.”

Pathetic Fallacy

Narrowly associates nature with human emotion or mood.

“The grieving clouds hung over the funeral road.”

What's the Difference?

Follow the idea

Related devices

Questions readers ask

Frequently asked questions

How is personification different from anthropomorphism?

Personification gives a nonhuman subject selected human qualities, while anthropomorphism more fully represents a nonhuman being as a human-like character.

Is every description of nature personification?

No. Nature is personified only when it is assigned a human action, feeling, intention, or ability.