Define "metaphor."

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things, suggesting that one thing embodies qualities of the other without the use of "like" or "as." This creates a direct connection between the two elements, allowing for a more powerful and imaginative expression. For instance, saying "time is a thief" implies that time, like a thief, takes away moments from our lives, enriching the meaning and evoking deeper emotions.

The other options focus on different literary devices or styles. The first option describes a simile, which does use "like" or "as" for comparison. The third option relates to a narrative technique focused on dialogue, while the fourth option pertains to character development, neither of which define metaphor. Therefore, the accurate definition of metaphor is clearly the one that indicates a direct comparison without those specific words.