I believe none of these options are correct. However, if you had to choose one, I would pick A - <span>Nina slid into her seat just as the bell rang and tried to catch her breath.
B, C, and D are incorrect because these are all examples of direct characterization, meaning that the other directly tells us what these people are like. This doesn't happen in A, which is why I would choose that option.
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The two protagonists are there to support each other and help each one succeed. Grant's story unfolds with Jefferson. The community involved in their path towards their destination is the black community and the Reverend. Grant was guided towards reconciling his insecurities regarding his race and also reconnecting to his roots, making this the first step towards his success.
The answer is D. Look in common symbols.