What literary device gives human-like qualities to non-human things?

Personification is the literary device that attributes human-like qualities or characteristics to non-human entities, animals, or inanimate objects. This technique allows writers to create more relatable and vivid descriptions, enabling readers to connect emotionally with the subject being personified.

For example, in literature, you might find phrases like "the wind whispered through the trees" or "the stars danced in the sky," where animate actions are applied to inanimate elements. This contributes to a deeper understanding of the emotions or themes within the text, enriching the reader's experience.

While alliteration focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, metaphor involves a direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." Imagery refers to descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating visual representations in the reader's mind. Each of these devices serves its own purpose in writing but does not convey human-like qualities to non-human things, which is the specific function of personification.