Which literary device involves giving human traits to inanimate objects or animals?

The correct choice is personification because this literary device specifically attributes human characteristics or emotions to non-human entities, such as inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts. By using personification, authors can create vivid imagery and help readers connect emotionally with elements of the story, making them more relatable. For instance, if a story describes the wind as "whispering through the trees," this imbues the wind with a human-like quality that enhances the imagery and deepens the reader's understanding of the scene.

The other literary devices mentioned do not serve this particular function. A metaphor makes comparisons between two unlike things without using "like" or "as," whereas a simile does use "like" or "as" to highlight similarities between two different things. Alliteration focuses on the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words, enhancing the rhythm and sound of the language rather than conveying human traits. Thus, personification is unique in its ability to humanize non-human elements, enriching the narrative and engaging readers' imaginations.