Introduction
Living and non-living things are two distinct categories used to classify entities based on their characteristics. Living things exhibit certain traits that non-living things lack. A pen is an object that is commonly used to write or draw. However, the question arises: is a pen living or non-living?

Non-Living Characteristics
A pen is an inanimate object that does not possess any life. It is made up of plastic, metal, or other materials and cannot grow, reproduce, or respond to stimuli. Some of the characteristics that make a pen non-living are:

- No metabolism: A pen does not require any energy to sustain itself. It does not breathe, eat, or excrete waste.
- No homeostasis: A pen does not maintain a stable internal environment.
- No response to stimuli: A pen cannot respond to external stimuli such as light, sound, or touch.

Dead or Alive?
Since a pen was never alive, it cannot be classified as dead. The term "dead" is reserved for living things that have ceased to exhibit any signs of life.

Conclusion
In conclusion, a pen is a non-living object that cannot be classified as either dead or alive. It is an inanimate object that serves a specific purpose and does not possess any life.

Non-living as it is the condition of never being alive. To be dead an object must once have been living.