Which literary device gives animals or inanimate objects human traits?

Personification is the literary device that assigns human traits, emotions, or characteristics to animals or inanimate objects. This device allows writers to create vivid imagery and connect readers emotionally to the subjects being described. For instance, if a story describes a cat that "purrs contently while daydreaming about chasing mice," the cat is given human-like qualities of daydreaming and feeling content, which enriches the narrative and provides relatable elements.

In contrast, metaphor and simile are used for comparisons—metaphor asserts that one thing is another (e.g., "Time is a thief"), while simile compares two different things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "Her smile is like sunshine"). Hyperbole involves exaggerated statements that aren't meant to be taken literally for emphasis or effect (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse"). None of these devices specifically address the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities.