What literary device is characterized by comparing two different things directly?

The literary device characterized by comparing two different things directly is a metaphor. A metaphor states that one thing is another, highlighting similarities between them without using "like" or "as," which are found in similes. This direct comparison allows the reader to understand one concept through another, creating deeper meanings and connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. For instance, saying "time is a thief" suggests that time stealthily takes away moments from our lives, emphasizing how fleeting it can be.

In contrast, a simile uses "like" or "as" to make a comparison, such as saying "as brave as a lion." Allusion refers to a reference to another work or event, and hyperbole involves exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally. Thus, while similes, allusions, and hyperboles serve their own purposes, the defining characteristic of a metaphor lies in its direct comparison between two distinct entities.