Metals have strong tendency to lose electrons to form cations. Metals are strong reducing agents with low ionization enthalpies, low negative electron enthalpies and low electronegativities. They form basic oxides and ionic compounds.
Non-metals have strong tendency to accept electrons to form anions. Non-metals are strong oxidizing agents with high ionisation enthalpies, high negative electron gain enthalpies and high electronegativities. They form acidic oxides and covalent compounds.