What feature distinguishes italic letters from traditional serif fonts?

The feature that distinguishes italic letters from traditional serif fonts is primarily the presence of curvy branches. Italic typefaces are characterized by their slanted appearance and flowing, cursive-like strokes, which often include rounded or curved elements in their letterforms. This design choice contributes to a more graceful and dynamic look, emphasizing the fluidity of writing, which is a key aspect of italic styles.

In contrast, traditional serif fonts tend to exhibit more rigid and structured characteristics, with pronounced serifs (the small lines or embellishments at the ends of strokes) and less variation in the curvature of branches. The choice to focus on curvy branches in italics helps evoke a sense of movement and artistic expression that is less prevalent in the more uniform and angular designs of traditional serif fonts.