The correct answer would be C, The plot of the story.
Explanation:
The plot of a story describes the events that take place as well as the conflict or problem that must be resolved.
The plot of a story is basically the sequence of the events that happens as we go further into the story. Why things happen, why the characters in the story do certain things or take certain decisions, all such things make plot of the story which makes the reader understands about why the character made this choice. A plot is basically the structure in which the events of the story are arranged.
Providing background on the Renaissance would allow Charlie to talk about the shared history. This leads to talking about the effect the period had on art, and then specifically on the artists mentioned.