Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/definitions/personification/

# Personification

The attribution of human characteristics to something non-human to create imagery.

## 1. Groaning stairs

The stairs **groaned** under the wight of the huge monstrosity.

- In this phrase, you are creating an image of the stairs making a groaning sound. This is personification because groaning is a human action – the noise is produced from a human mouth. Therefore, the stairs cannot actually produce a groan.

## 2. Clawing tree branches

The tree branches **clawed** at her face as she ran past.

- In this phrase, you are creating an image of the trees making a choice to reach out their branches and claw at the woman’s face. This is personification because clawing is a human action and usually requires a conscious decision – trees cannot actually make the decision to claw at people.

## 3. Moaning wind

The frosty wind **moaned.**

In this phrase, you are creating an image of the wind making a moaning sound. This is personification because moaning is a human action – the noise is produced from a human mouth. The wind cannot physically produce a moan.