What is the term used for a literary device that gives human traits to non-human entities?

Personification is the term that describes the literary device in which human traits, emotions, or intentions are attributed to non-human entities, such as animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. This technique allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connection by giving life-like qualities to the subjects they are describing.

For instance, when a writer describes the wind as "whispering through the trees," they are employing personification, making the wind seem as if it possesses the ability to speak, thus enhancing the reader's engagement with the text. This device is particularly powerful in poetry and prose, as it fosters a deeper understanding and relatability to non-human elements.

The other terms listed do not serve the same purpose. A metaphor is a figure of speech that implies a direct comparison between two unrelated things, while a simile makes this comparison explicit using "like" or "as." Alliteration refers to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in a sentence or phrase for poetic or rhetorical effect. Each of these devices has its unique function but does not specifically denote the attribution of human characteristics to non-human subjects, which is the essence of personification.