Here's why:
* Similes are comparisons using words like "like" or "as" (e.g., "The sky was like a giant blue canvas.").
* Metaphors are direct comparisons that don't use "like" or "as" (e.g., "The sky was a giant blue canvas.").
Both similes and metaphors contribute to figurative language, which can make understanding a work of fiction more challenging because it adds layers of meaning and interpretation.