Which figure of speech gives human characteristics to non-human objects or ideas?

Personification is the figure of speech that assigns human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, such as animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. This literary device allows writers to create vivid imagery and evoke emotional responses by attributing familiar human actions or feelings to things that do not possess those qualities. For instance, when a writer describes the wind as "whispering through the trees," they are personifying the wind by suggesting it can whisper, an action typically associated with humans. This technique enhances the reader's connection to the text by making the non-human elements more relatable and dynamic.

The other options represent different concepts. Metaphor involves a direct comparison between two unrelated things to highlight similarities without using "like" or "as," while oxymoron combines contradictory terms to create a unique expression. Satire utilizes humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock a subject. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why personification is the appropriate choice for giving human characteristics to non-human subjects.