Figures of speech come in numerous varieties. Simile and metaphor are the most common. These two figures of speech have been employed by writers in different ways to create original effects in description and narration. Figurative language, if used with care, enhances the reality of a setting and character. They are helpful to expand the writer’s imagination in describing people, places, animals, and objects. It does not limit the writer to literal sensory descriptions. Certain instances in narration could only achieve the desired effect if a figurative language is used for sensory effect. One common example is She is as cold as the Ice Queen. This is a literary simile that gives us the idea that the subject is ruthless and uncaring. The writer does not need to go into detail how ruthless she is. The figurative language also cultivates an economy of words.

The foaming ocean waves rushed violently to the shore, does not create more powerful imagery compared to The foaming ocean waves rushed to the shore like a herd of white stallions. The detail allows for a more imaginative envisioning of the waves in question. My Uncle Charlie is as bald as a stone is more graphic than My Uncle Charlie has a shiny, bald head.

As always, anything in excess can damage your writing. Use figurative speech in the right places and sparingly. A successive figurative description could throw off your readers. Simile, metaphor, and even personification are not limited to physical details. The writer can also use it to describe sentiments or feelings manifesting in the way a character perceives objects around them.

Grandma Hetty sat on her rocking chair by the porch as she stared at the old sycamore tree that towered like the Grim Reaper. Grandma Hetty is depressed and preoccupied with death, judging from the way how she looks at the tree. However, Grandma Hetty sat on her rocking chair by the porch as she smiled while looking at the old sycamore tree that seemed to wave at her like a good neighbor. Here, we can tell that the old woman is happy and content in her ripe old age.

The figurative description will often suffice in describing character attitude. Blending it with a literal description creates a separation and an impression to the reader that the writer lacks the confidence in using sensory details.

Example: Grandma Hetty sat on her rocking chair by the porch as she stared at the old sycamore tree that towered like the Grim Reaper. She feared that she could die anytime.

The writer is stating the obvious about what has been revealed through a figurative rendering of the sentiment. 

If the writer feels that he has used enough similes and metaphors to convey character attitude, he can always use dialogue to reveal how a character feels.

Example: Grandma Hetty smiled and looked at the old sycamore tree. “Well, it looks like you’re going to outlive me. But that’s okay. You’ve been with me since I was a child. Thanks for the memories. I won’t let anyone cut you down. I’ll put that in my will.”