I believe that the best answer for this question is "are." You are referring to two parties here, both the lion tamer and the clowns. This would mean that your applicable verbs must also be plural. Since "are" is the plural version of "is," it is the most suitable word to use in this situation. Hope this helps.
Answer:
They kept MAKING it WORK very hard for months.
Explanation:
keep + v_ing
make sb/sth + do sth
I would say the answer is B.
In a story, the setting is the time, place, and geographical location of where it is taking place.