D. to provide important details about the characters and the plot.
Explanation:
In a story, an artifact is often used as a literary device. This can include any object, action or idea of significance that contributes to moving the story along. An artifact is a useful device as it provides important details about the characters, their actions and personalities, and the plot. This is especially true when used alongside other literary devices.
Sample Response: Based on the table of contents, I would expect to learn about different medical terms, the origin of the bird flu, and how food can affect the spread of diseases.