What is the main characteristic of a pun?

The main characteristic of a pun lies in its nature as wordplay that exploits the sounds and meanings of words. Puns often rely on similar-sounding words or phrases to create humor or cleverness through double meanings. This form of wordplay engages the listener by prompting them to recognize the connection between the different meanings or interpretations of similar-sounding words. The delight in puns often comes from the unexpected twist in language that creates a playful effect, which is essential to this figure of speech.

The other options reflect different literary devices or elements but do not capture the essence of what a pun is. Ambiguous meanings can be found in various forms of literature, while contrasting two ideas refers more closely to antithesis or juxtaposition. Describing a setting vividly relates to imagery, which enhances the sensory experience for the reader but is not related to the nature of a pun. Thus, the choice highlighting wordplay based on the sounds of words is the most accurate representation of a pun.