500 Personification Examples [For Kids, Students, & More]

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Personification is the art of imbuing inanimate objects or abstract concepts with human qualities. It adds depth and vibrancy to your writing.

Keep reading to discover 500 examples categorized for easy reference and inspiration.

Personification Examples for Kids

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Let’s ease our way into this metropolis of personification with these kid-inspired examples:

  1. The playful raindrops chased each other down the windowpane.
  2. The little cloud puffed out its cheeks and blew a gust of wind.
  3. The toy train chugged happily along the tracks.
  4. The crayons danced across the paper, creating a colorful picture.
  5. The bedtime story whispered secrets of faraway lands.
  6. The bouncy ball hopped excitedly across the floor.
  7. The kite soared proudly in the sky, showing off its colorful tail.
  8. The swing sang a joyful song as it swayed back and forth.
  9. The teddy bear offered a comforting hug.
  10. The puzzle pieces fit together snugly, like old friends.
  11. The jump rope skipped merrily along the sidewalk.
  12. The bubbles floated gently, whispering secrets to the breeze.
  13. The shadow puppets danced on the wall, telling a silent story.
  14. The building blocks stacked themselves high, reaching for the sky.
  15. The drawing came to life with a burst of color.
  16. The numbers played hide-and-seek on the chalkboard.
  17. The alphabet letters marched across the page, forming words.
  18. The storybook characters jumped out of the pages, ready for adventure.
  19. The sun winked at the children as they played.
  20. The moon smiled down on them as they slept.

Personification Examples in Poetry

You can find plenty of examples in poetry:

  1. “Because I could not stop for Death – / He kindly stopped for me –” – Emily Dickinson, “Because I could not stop for Death.” (Death is personified as a courteous gentleman.)
  2. “The fog comes / on little cat feet.” – Carl Sandburg, “Fog.” (The fog is given the quiet, stealthy movements of a cat.)
  3. “I wandered lonely as a cloud / That floats on high o’er vales and hills,” – William Wordsworth, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” (While the speaker is compared to a cloud, the daffodils later are personified as “dancing”.)  
  4. “The sun was warm but the wind was in the east, and it bit to the bone.” – Robert Frost, “The Fear” (The wind is given the human action of biting).
  5. “Hope is the thing with feathers / That perches in the soul,” – Emily Dickinson, “Hope is the thing with feathers.” (Hope is personified as a bird.)
  6. “The city sighs and stretches, waking from its slumber.” (Original Example)
  7. “The wind’s cold hand gripped the lonely traveler.” (Original Example)
  8. “The moon, a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas.” – Alfred Noyes, “The Highwayman” (The moon is compared to a ship).
  9. “The little waves, with their soft, white hands, / Efface the footprints in the sands.” – Mary Ashley Townsend, “The Swimmer” (The waves are given hands that erase footprints.)
  10. “And the night shall be filled with music, / And the cares, that infest the day, / Shall fold their tents, like the Arabs, / And as silently steal away.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “The Day is Done” (Cares are personified as folding tents and stealing away.)  
  11. “The old clock on the mantlepiece ticked with a weary sigh.” (Original example)
  12. “The shadows danced playfully across the moonlit floor.” (Original example)
  13. “The brook chatters over a stony way.” – William Wordsworth, “Michael” (The brook is described as chattering.)
  14. “The sea is a hungry dog, / Giant and grey.” – M. B. Miller, “The Sea” (The sea is compared to a hungry dog.)
  15. “The daffodils danced beside the lake.” – William Wordsworth, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” (The daffodils are given the human action of dancing.)
  16. “Winter’s icy grip held the land in its thrall.” (Original Example)
  17. “The stars whispered secrets to the silent night.” (Original Example)
  18. “The sun, a golden eye, watched over the sleeping world.” (Original Example)
  19. “The rain wept tears of sorrow for the parched earth.” (Original Example)
  20. “The flowers stretched their necks towards the sun’s warm embrace.” (Original Example)

Personification Examples in Books

Literature (aka books) is another rich resource for personification:

  1. “The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees,” – Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. (The wind is described as a “torrent” and the trees are “gusty,” both giving them active, almost violent human qualities.)
  2. “The little boat… danced over the sparkling waves, and ran races with the wind.” – Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows. (The boat is given human actions like dancing and racing.)
  3. “The fire danced in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit. (The fire is given the human action of dancing.)
  4. “The house itself seemed to be holding its breath.” – Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House. (The house is given the human action of holding its breath.)
  5. “The shadows crept across the floor like cautious cats.” – Neil Gaiman, Coraline. (The shadows are given the movements of cats).
  6. “The silence in the room was a thick, suffocating blanket.” – Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird (Silence is given the physical quality of a blanket.)
  7. “The forest breathed a sigh of relief as the rain began to fall.” – Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings (The forest is given the human action of sighing.)
  8. “The old house watched them with vacant eyes.” (Original Example)
  9. “The clock ticked with an air of quiet authority.” (Original Example)
  10. “The walls seemed to whisper secrets of the past.” (Original Example)
  11. “His breath caught in his throat.” (Original Example)
  12. “The words tumbled out of her mouth.” (Original Example)
  13. “Time held me green and dying / Though I sang in my chains like the sea.” – Dylan Thomas, Fern Hill (Time is described as holding someone green and dying. The sea is also personified as singing.)
  14. “The wind howled like a hungry wolf outside the window.” (Original Example)
  15. “The darkness swallowed the last rays of sunlight.” (Original Example)
  16. “The city’s concrete canyons echoed with the sounds of life.” (Original Example)
  17. “The streets stretched out like a maze, inviting exploration.” (Original Example)
  18. “The buildings stood shoulder to shoulder, whispering stories of the past.” (Original Example)
  19. “The neon signs winked and blinked, casting a colorful glow on the night.” (Original Example)
  20. “The shadows danced playfully in the moonlight.” (Original Example)

    Personification Examples in Songs

    Music is filled with verse after verse of personification:

    1. “Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ / Into the future.” – Steve Miller Band, “Fly Like an Eagle.” (Time is given the action of slipping.)
    2. “The river flows, it flows to the sea / Wherever that river goes, that’s where I want to be.” – Eric Clapton, “River of Tears.” (The river is given the human action of flowing with purpose.)
    3. “The city’s a jungle, you gotta survive.” – Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, “The Message”. (The city is compared to a jungle, giving it a hostile and dangerous human environment).
    4. “Hello darkness, my old friend / I’ve come to talk with you again.” – Simon & Garfunkel, “The Sound of Silence.” (Darkness is addressed as a friend, giving it human-like companionship).
    5. “Love hurts, love scars / Love wounds and marks.” – Nazareth, “Love Hurts”. (Love is given the human actions of hurting, scarring, wounding, and marking).
    6. “The highwayman came riding, riding, riding, / The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.” – Alfred Noyes, “The Highwayman” (The highwayman is personified as riding.)  
    7. “The sun is gonna shine in my back door someday.” – Blind Willie McTell, “Statesboro Blues” (The sun is given the human action of shining in a door.)
    8. “The night is young and so are we.” – The Isley Brothers, “That Lady” (The night is given the human quality of youth.)
    9. “The wind cries Mary.” – Jimi Hendrix, “The Wind Cries Mary” (The wind is given the human action of crying.)
    10. “The trees are swaying in the breeze.” (Original example)
    11. “The rain is falling down on me.” (Original example)
    12. “The sun is shining bright today.” (Original example)
    13. “The stars are twinkling in the sky.” (Original example)
    14. “The moon is watching over me.” (Original example)
    15. “The clock is ticking away the hours.” (Original example)
    16. “My heart is beating fast” (Original example)
    17. “My soul is crying out.” (Original example)
    18. “My dreams are calling me.” (Original example)
    19. “My fears are holding me back.” (Original example)
    20. “My hopes are lifting me up.” (Original example)

    Personification Examples in Movies

    Storytelling is made for personification. And movies are simply stories on the screen.

    1. Beauty and the Beast (1991): Many household objects, like Lumiere the candlestick and Cogsworth the clock, are fully personified with human personalities and behaviors.
    2. Cars (2006): The cars have distinct personalities, emotions, and engage in human-like activities like racing and socializing.
    3. Inside Out (2015): Emotions like Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust are personified as individual characters with their own motivations and actions.
    4. Fantasia (1940): Several segments personify abstract concepts or natural forces, such as the “Dance of the Hours” segment, which features personified hours of the day.
    5. The Brave Little Toaster (1987): Household appliances like a toaster, lamp, blanket, radio, and vacuum cleaner are personified with distinct personalities and go on an adventure.
    6. Pinocchio (1940): Jiminy Cricket, a cricket, acts as Pinocchio’s conscience and guide, exhibiting human-like qualities and behaviors.
    7. Toy Story franchise: The toys have distinct personalities, emotions, and relationships, behaving like a community of people.
    8. WALL-E (2008): WALL-E, a robot, displays curiosity, loneliness, and affection, human-like emotions.
    9. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988): Toons, cartoon characters, live in a world alongside humans and exhibit human-like behaviors.
    10. The Iron Giant (1999): The Iron Giant, a giant robot, develops a personality and emotions through its interactions with a young boy.”The house seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as the family drove away.” (Original Example)
    11. “The storm raged across the screen, its fury mirroring the characters’ inner turmoil.” (Original Example)
    12. “The city lights twinkled like a million watchful eyes.” (Original Example)
    13. “The shadows danced across the walls, creating an atmosphere of mystery.” (Original Example)
    14. “The music swelled, expressing the characters’ unspoken emotions.” (Original Example)
    15. “The camera lens became a silent observer, capturing every nuance of their performance.” (Original Example)
    16. “The special effects brought the fantastical creatures to life, each with its own unique personality.” (Original Example)
    17. “The costumes whispered tales of the characters’ pasts.” (Original Example)
    18. “The set design created a world that felt both familiar and otherworldly.” (Original Example)
    19. “The lighting painted the scene with emotion, highlighting the characters’ inner struggles.” (Original Example)
    20. “The sound effects added depth and texture to the story, bringing the world to life.” (Original Example)

      Nature Examples

      Nature is a frequent subject of personification, allowing writers to connect with the natural world on a more emotional level.

      1. The sun smiled down on the fields.
      2. The wind whispered secrets through the trees.
      3. The rain cried tears of sorrow.
      4. The storm raged with fury.
      5. The river danced through the valley.
      6. The mountains stood guard over the land.
      7. The ocean roared its disapproval.
      8. The waves crashed against the shore, demanding attention.
      9. The moon watched over the sleeping world.
      10. The stars winked in the night sky.
      11. The fog crept in on little cat feet.
      12. The clouds wept tears of rain.
      13. The thunder growled in the distance.
      14. The lightning danced across the sky.
      15. The flowers nodded their heads in the breeze.
      16. The trees stretched their arms to the sky.
      17. The leaves whispered secrets to each other.
      18. The grass danced in the wind.
      19. The earth sighed beneath the weight of winter.
      20. The desert thirsted for rain.
      21. The volcano grumbled with discontent.
      22. The glacier crept slowly down the mountain.
      23. The seasons danced their eternal cycle.
      24. The dawn painted the sky with vibrant colors.
      25. The twilight kissed the day goodbye.
      26. The shadows played hide-and-seek among the trees.
      27. The sun peeked through the clouds.
      28. The morning dew kissed the grass.
      29. The snowflakes danced on the wind.
      30. The hail pounded the roof with angry fists.
      31. The rainbow arched across the sky, a promise of hope.
      32. The forest breathed a sigh of relief after the rain.
      33. The hills rolled gently into the distance.
      34. The valleys cradled the sleeping villages.
      35. The canyons whispered echoes of the past.
      36. The plains stretched out like a vast, open hand.
      37. The wind howled a mournful song.
      38. The snow blanketed the earth in a peaceful slumber.
      39. The ice gripped the branches with icy fingers.
      40. The frost painted intricate patterns on the windows.

      Time Examples

      Time is often personified to emphasize its relentless march or its impact on human lives.

      1. Time marches on.
      2. Time heals all wounds.
      3. Time flies when you’re having fun.
      4. Time stood still.
      5. Time waits for no one.
      6. Time crept by slowly.
      7. Time whispered secrets of the past.
      8. Time has a way of changing things.
      9. Time is a thief.
      10. Time is a healer.
      11. Time has taken its toll.
      12. Time has erased the memories.
      13. Time has softened the edges.
      14. Time has proven its worth.
      15. Time has revealed the truth.
      16. Time marched relentlessly forward.
      17. Time slipped through my fingers like sand.
      18. Time stretched out before me like an endless road.
      19. Time hung heavy in the air.
      20. Time seemed to drag its feet.

      Emotion Examples

      Personifying emotions allows writers to explore the abstract nature of feelings in a more concrete way.

      1. Fear gripped his heart.
      2. Joy danced in her eyes.
      3. Sadness weighed heavily on his shoulders.
      4. Anger boiled inside him.
      5. Hope flickered in the darkness.
      6. Despair whispered in her ear.
      7. Love bloomed in their hearts.
      8. Jealousy gnawed at his soul.
      9. Regret haunted his dreams.
      10. Guilt weighed him down.
      11. Pride swelled in his chest.
      12. Loneliness crept into her heart.
      13. Anxiety gnawed at her stomach.
      14. Courage stood tall within him.
      15. Patience waited patiently.
      16. Frustration tapped its foot impatiently.
      17. Boredom yawned widely.
      18. Excitement bubbled within her.
      19. Confusion clouded his mind.
      20. Grief settled over the town like a shroud.

      Random Object Examples

      Everyday objects can be given human qualities to create more vivid and engaging descriptions.

      1. The car coughed and sputtered.
      2. The computer froze in protest.
      3. The door groaned open.
      4. The chair creaked under his weight.
      5. The house stood proudly on the hill.
      6. The book whispered stories of faraway lands.
      7. The clock ticked impatiently.
      8. The mirror reflected her worried expression.
      9. The phone rang insistently.
      10. The television blared its message.
      11. The train snaked its way through the countryside.
      12. The bridge arched its back over the river.
      13. The walls held their secrets.
      14. The roof protected them from the storm.
      15. The windows watched the world go by.
      16. The stairs groaned underfoot.
      17. The furniture huddled together in the room.
      18. The curtains danced in the breeze.
      19. The lamp cast a warm, inviting glow.
      20. The fire crackled merrily in the hearth.
      21. The kettle whistled a cheerful tune.
      22. The oven baked with loving care.
      23. The knife sliced through the bread with ease.
      24. The fork stabbed at the potato.
      25. The plate held its food proudly.
      26. The cup warmed her hands.
      27. The pen danced across the paper.
      28. The paper eagerly awaited the words.
      29. The scissors snipped with precision.
      30. The glue held the pieces together firmly.

      Abstract Concept Examples

      Personifying abstract concepts makes them more relatable and easier to grasp.

      1. Death knocked on his door.
      2. Justice is blind.
      3. Opportunity knocked.
      4. Fate intervened.
      5. Truth revealed itself.
      6. Lies whispered in the shadows.
      7. Knowledge beckoned him forward.
      8. Wisdom guided his hand.
      9. Love conquered all.
      10. Hate consumed him.
      11. Fear held him captive.
      12. Courage gave him strength.
      13. Hope sustained him.
      14. Despair overwhelmed him.
      15. Dreams danced in his head.
      16. Memories lingered in his mind.
      17. The past haunted him.
      18. The future beckoned him.
      19. Progress marched forward.
      20. Change swept through the town.

      Weather Examples

      Weather elements are frequently personified to create vivid imagery of their powerful effects.

      1. The rain lashed against the windows.
      2. The wind howled through the streets.
      3. The snow whispered down from the sky.
      4. The fog crept silently into the city.
      5. The sun glared down mercilessly.
      6. The clouds gathered angrily overhead.
      7. The thunder roared its disapproval.
      8. The lightning cracked its whip.
      9. The hail pelted the ground with icy stones.
      10. The breeze teased the leaves.
      11. The storm unleashed its fury.
      12. The hurricane roared across the coast.
      13. The tornado danced across the plains.
      14. The drought parched the land.
      15. The floodwaters swallowed the town.
      16. The heat shimmered off the pavement.
      17. The cold bit at their exposed skin.
      18. The frost nipped at their noses.
      19. The dew kissed the grass.
      20. The rainbow smiled down from the sky.

      Technology Examples

      In our modern world, technology is increasingly personified, reflecting our complex relationship with it.

      1. The computer crashed in protest.
      2. The printer stubbornly refused to print.
      3. The phone buzzed excitedly.
      4. The internet hummed with activity.
      5. The software begged for an update.
      6. The app refused to cooperate.
      7. The website welcomed visitors.
      8. The server groaned under the heavy load.
      9. The robot obeyed its commands.
      10. The AI learned and grew.
      11. The camera captured the moment.
      12. The microphone listened intently.
      13. The speakers blasted their music.
      14. The headphones whispered sweet melodies.
      15. The screen glowed invitingly.
      16. The battery stubbornly refused to charge.
      17. The hard drive stored its precious data.
      18. The network connected the world.
      19. The algorithm learned their preferences.
      20. The code executed its instructions.

        Food and Drink Examples

        Personifying food and drink can make descriptions more appetizing and engaging.

        1. The coffee woke me up.
        2. The soup warmed my soul.
        3. The bread begged to be eaten.
        4. The cake tempted me with its sweetness.
        5. The wine whispered tales of distant vineyards.
        6. The cheese oozed with richness.
        7. The spices danced on my tongue.
        8. The chocolate melted in my mouth.
        9. The ice cream screamed for attention.
        10. The lemonade refreshed my senses.
        11. The fruit ripened in the sun.
        12. The vegetables begged to be picked.
        13. The herbs perfumed the air.
        14. The water quenched my thirst.
        15. The juice invigorated me.

        Music Examples

        Music is often personified to describe its emotional impact and expressive qualities.

        1. The music soared to a crescendo.
        2. The melody danced in the air.
        3. The rhythm pulsed through the room.
        4. The notes whispered secrets.
        5. The harmony embraced the melody.
        6. The song told a story.
        7. The instruments conversed with each other.
        8. The music evoked a memory.
        9. The symphony swelled with emotion.
        10. The ballad tugged at the heartstrings.

        Body Part (Metaphorical/Figurative) Examples

        While technically not personification in the strictest sense (as they are part of a human), using body parts figuratively can create powerful imagery.

        1. The city’s heart beat with energy.
        2. The mountain’s shoulders shrugged off the clouds.
        3. The river’s mouth opened to the sea.
        4. The forest’s arms reached out to embrace the valley.
        5. The building’s eyes stared out at the street.
        6. The car’s headlights glared into the night.
        7. The clock’s hands raced around the dial.
        8. The book’s pages whispered secrets.
        9. The website’s homepage welcomed visitors.
        10. The computer’s memory stored information.

        Buildings and Structure Examples

        Buildings and structures can be personified to convey their history, purpose, or impact on the surrounding environment.

        1. The old house sighed with age.
        2. The skyscraper scraped the sky.
        3. The bridge spanned the river with outstretched arms.
        4. The castle stood guard over the valley.
        5. The cathedral’s spires reached heaven.
        6. The stadium roared with the cheers of the crowd.
        7. The library whispered tales of centuries past.
        8. The museum held its treasures carefully.
        9. The monument stood as a silent witness to history.
        10. The city streets teemed with life.

        Light and Darkness Examples

        Light and darkness are often personified to represent opposing forces or emotional states.

        1. Darkness crept into the room.
        2. Light chased away the shadows.
        3. The sun’s rays kissed the earth.
        4. The moon bathed the world in its silvery light.
        5. The stars twinkled mischievously.
        6. The shadows danced in the flickering candlelight.
        7. The darkness swallowed everything in its path.
        8. The light offered a beacon of hope.
        9. The dawn broke with a burst of color.
        10. Twilight whispered its farewell to the day.

        Natural Disaster Examples

        Natural disasters are often personified to emphasize their destructive power.

        1. The earthquake shook the city with violent force.
        2. The volcano erupted in a fiery rage.
        3. The hurricane tore through the coastline.
        4. The floodwaters engulfed the town.
        5. The wildfire raged across the forest.
        6. The avalanche buried everything in its path.
        7. The tornado ripped through the plains.
        8. The drought withered the land.
        9. The blizzard trapped the town in its icy grip.
        10. The heatwave suffocated the city.

        Seasonal Examples

        The seasons are often personified to describe the changes they bring to the natural world.

        1. Spring awakened the earth from its slumber.
        2. Summer blazed with fiery passion.
        3. Autumn painted the leaves with vibrant colors.
        4. Winter blanketed the world in snow.
        5. Spring whispered promises of new beginnings.
        6. Summer danced in the sunshine.
        7. Autumn sighed a farewell to summer.
        8. Winter slept peacefully under a blanket of snow.
        9. Spring stretched its limbs and yawned.
        10. Summer basked in its own glory.

        War and Peace Examples

        These abstract concepts are often personified to highlight their impact on humanity.

        1. War raged across the land.
        2. Peace settled over the nation.
        3. War stole lives and destroyed homes.
        4. Peace offered hope and healing.
        5. War whispered promises of glory.
        6. Peace brought prosperity and happiness.
        7. War left scars that would never heal.
        8. Peace offered a chance for reconciliation.
        9. War devoured the young and innocent.
        10. Peace nurtured growth and development.

        Economy/Finance Examples

        Check out these money-related examples:

        1. The stock market soared to new heights.
        2. The economy struggled to recover.
        3. Inflation crept higher.
        4. The dollar weakened against foreign currencies.
        5. The recession gripped the nation.

        Sports Examples

        When you want to personify something, sports is an easy arena for practice:

        1. The ball danced across the field.
        2. The net swallowed the shot.
        3. The crowd roared its approval.
        4. The team fought valiantly for victory.
        5. The clock ticked down to the final seconds.

        Vehicle Examples

        For the travel aficionados among us, here are some examples about vehicles.

        1. The train chugged along the tracks.
        2. The car purred like a kitten.
        3. The plane soared through the clouds.
        4. The ship sliced through the waves.
        5. The motorcycle roared down the highway.

        Sound Examples

        Audio is an easy starter category for personification.

        1. The wind howled a mournful cry.
        2. The rain tapped gently on the roof.
        3. The thunder roared its disapproval.
        4. The clock ticked impatiently.
        5. The door creaked open.

        Actions/Event Examples

        You might be surprised about how many examples you can find with actions or events.

        1. Opportunity knocked at the door.
        2. Fate intervened in their lives.
        3. Time heals all wounds.
        4. The truth revealed itself.
        5. Scandal rocked the nation.

        Death Examples

        It seems like death and dying examples are everywhere–and this literary technique is no exception.

        1. Death came knocking.
        2. Death claimed another victim.
        3. Death’s icy hand gripped the world.
        4. Death stalked the battlefield.
        5. Death whispered their name.

        General/Misc Examples

        Yes, I ran out of category names, so here are some general or miscellaneous examples.

        1. The city never sleeps.
        2. The walls have ears.
        3. The shadows played tricks on the eye.
        4. The night held its breath.
        5. The silence screamed.
        6. The future beckoned.
        7. The past haunted them.
        8. The idea took root in his mind.
        9. The problem stared him in the face.
        10. The answer eluded him.
        11. The project demanded his full attention.
        12. The deadline loomed.
        13. The task challenged him.
        14. The pressure mounted.
        15. The challenge stared them down.

        Watch this video for more personification examples:

        YouTube Videos by Maple Online Learning — Personification Examples

        Final Thoughts

        Consider this your personification crash course. You’ve got the examples, you know the drill.

        Now go forth and personify responsibly. We’re trusting you not to make the furniture stage a full-blown revolt.

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