Which of the following is not part of the setting?
a. the location where the story occurs
b. the time period during which the story takes place
c. the situation and mood surrounding the events of the story
d. the development and description of the characters within the story

d. the development and description of the characters within the story

Explanation:

The setting is one of the essential parts of the narrative. It tells about the location and the time of the story. The setting helps the readers to build an analysis of the time and the location of the story. It helps the readers to understand the context of the narrative. The geographical location, historical time and the hour in which the narrative is written also tells about the author's intention of writing it.

d. i assume the underlined word is "role." reformat if it isn't.

explanation:

role is closest to part because when replacing words, "playing a vital decision," "playing a vital activity," and "playing a vital dollar" don't make logical sense. the only meaningful choice is "playing a vital part."

this fits one of merriam-webster's definitions of role: "a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process."

answer; decipher the motives for why people behave the way they do;