The Use of Personification in Story-Telling

Today, let’s delve deeper into how we can improve the way we Show Not Tell. I’m sure many of you have heard of the terms ‘simile’ and ‘metaphor’. These are literary devices which are commonly used in creative writing. While similes and metaphors are useful for the reader to imagine the scene vividly in his mind, personification is also another often used method in descriptive writing.

So, what is personification? Let’s find out together!

Before I go, just a word of caution about using personification. While using it helps to make the scene come alive and add more colour to your writing, just like any other literary device, do use it appropriately and sparingly. Remember that it is most effectively used when you want the reader to imagine the scene that you are describing clearly in his mind, so pick and choose the scene carefully. Not every scene lends itself to the use of personification! The last thing you want to do is to rely too heavily on personification, making your writing sound too stilted or unnatural.

Share with us some of your favourite descriptions using personification in the comments below. Have fun writing and see you next time!

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