Ad Hominem Argument/Attack

ad hominem argument/attack: a personal attack on the character or other traits of one's opponents rather than an argument against his/her ideas

"'Oh shucks, Huck Finn, if I was as ignorant as you, I'd keep still that's what I'd do. Who ever heard of a state prisoner escaping by a hickory-bark ladder? Why, it's perfectly ridiculous.'"
                                                                -Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
                                                                             by Mark Twain


In this example Tom Sawyer is reprimanding Huck Finn for suggesting the use of a hickory-bark ladder rather than a ladder made out of sheets. However, Sawyer is quite determined and will not even consider doing things, the easy way. Sawyer, however, does not actually give reasons for not wanting to use the hickory-bark ladder, he simply calls Huck Finn daft. This serves multiple purposes, it shows that Sawyer is not reasonable, or practical, but somewhat of a hopeless romantic. It also shows the Huck Finn is more practical , but used to following, not leading. This device provides insight into the characters' personalities and beings.