If the appositive phrase is needed to define the meaning of a noun then <u>don't use a comma</u>, if the appositive phrase defines enough where it can stand by it's self alone then <u>use commas around it.</u>
Diction and figurative language can impact an author's tone and characterization because they can make the story seem more real if everything is working well together, or they can keep the reader from connecting to the work if the choice of words and use of language clashes with the tone the author is trying to convey.