Deep definition
Personification converts abstractions into characters you can argue with. Your knees, the algorithm, your credit score — once they have wants, they can be antagonists, and antagonists produce scenes.
Why humans laugh
Theory of mind misapplied on purpose; we instantly model intentions and find the mismatch delightful.
Formula
OBJECT / ABSTRACTION + WANT + ATTITUDE + VOICE
Good examples
- My back doesn't hurt. My back is making a point.
Bad example
My car is like a person. (Statement, not performance.)
Before → After
The app keeps recommending weird stuff.
The algorithm has decided who I am and is refusing to hear an appeal.
When to use
When the antagonist is a system, not a person.
When not to use
When the real human antagonist is funnier.
Common failure modes
- Cute instead of pointed
- No consistent want
Advanced combinations
- PE + AC = voice the object
- PE + ST = the object outranks you
Writing
Write dialogue between yourself and the object.
Stage
Give the object a distinct posture and pitch.
Crowd work
Personify the venue, the mic, the lighting.
Improv
Object work plus a want equals instant character.
Business
Give the customer's problem a personality — then defeat it.
Told to the AI as
Assign a want, attitude, and voice to a non-human element in the input and write its lines.
Exercises
Beginner
Give 10 household objects a motive.
Intermediate
Write an argument with your bank account.
Advanced
Perform a 2-minute scene as a personified abstraction.