The correct answer here is influence.
Explanation:
To explore the influence, or effect of mythical literature on contemporary literature, a reader should identify key characters, settings, and plots.
That is to say, to explore the power or effect of mythical literature on contemporary literature it is important for the reader to try to identify key characters (main characters), settings and plots (what the story is about).
I hope this is the answer that you were looking for.
Philosophers sought to change the world politically and intellectually.
