Anthropomorphism | Form of personification that applies human-like characteristics to animals and objects | The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi or the Cheshire Cat of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll |
Hamartia | The character flaw of an initially rich and powerful hero that leads to his tragic downfall. This is also referred to as the tragic flaw. | Oedipus kills his own father because he doesn’t understand his true parentage. |
Pathetic fallacy | Reflecting a character’s (usually the protagonist) mood in the atmosphere or inanimate objects. Related to anthropomorphism and projection | For example, the storm in William Shakespeare‘s King Lear, which mirrors Lear’s mental deterioration. |
Personification | Using comparative metaphors and similes to give living characteristics to abstract concepts and non-human entities | Taken from Act I, Scene II of Romeo and Juliet: “When well-appareled April on the heel / Of limping winter treads.”[ |