Read this excerpt from "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi." "But are you sure that there is anything to be gained by killing the people?” said Nag.

"Everything. When there were no people in the bungalow, did we have any mongoose in the garden? So long as the bungalow is empty, we are king and queen of the garden; and remember that as soon as our eggs in the melon-bed hatch (as they may to-morrow), our children will need room and quiet.”

"I had not thought of that,” said Nag. "I will go, but there is no need that we should hunt for Rikki-tikki afterward. I will kill the big man and his wife, and the child if I can, and come away quietly.”

How does the author use personification to characterize the snakes?

He explains the snakes’ cruel behavior by writing that they want to be “king and queen of the garden.”

He explains how the snakes will care for their children by writing that they have “eggs in the melon-bed.”

He explains the snakes’ evil plan by writing that they will “kill the big man and his wife.”

He explains the snakes’ desire for power by saying that they will “hunt for Rikki-tikki.”