What literary device attributes human characteristics to nonhuman entities?

The correct choice is personification, which is a literary device that gives human qualities and emotions to nonhuman entities, such as animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. By using personification, writers enhance their descriptions, allowing readers to connect more emotionally with the subject matter. This device makes the nonhuman entities relatable and can help convey deeper meanings or themes within a narrative.

For example, when an author describes the wind as "whispering through the trees," they are providing the wind with human-like qualities that evoke a specific atmosphere or feeling. This technique often enriches the imagery and engages the reader's imagination, making the writing more vivid and engaging. The use of personification can also help clarify abstract concepts, making complex ideas more understandable through familiar human traits and experiences.