In literature, what does personification mean?

Personification is a literary device in which human characteristics, qualities, or traits are attributed to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or abstract ideas. This technique allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections by enabling readers to relate to these non-human elements as if they were capable of human feelings and actions. For instance, if a story describes the wind as "whispering through the trees," it helps convey a sense of intimacy and personifies the wind, making it more relatable.

The other options represent different literary devices: creating a mental image refers to imagery, exaggeration pertains to hyperbole, and comparing things using "like" or "as" describes simile. Each of these has its own distinct function in literature but does not encapsulate the essence of personification.