Which term refers to the time and place of a story?

The correct answer is setting, which refers specifically to the time and place in which a story unfolds. The setting establishes the backdrop for the narrative, influencing the mood, atmosphere, and even the characters' behaviors and interactions. It provides context that helps the reader to understand the circumstances surrounding the events of the plot.

In discussing the other choices, character would refer to the individuals who inhabit the story, contributing to the actions and themes but not inherently to the time and place. Plot pertains to the sequence of events and actions in the narrative, focusing on what happens rather than where and when it happens. Theme delves into the underlying messages, ideas, or concepts explored in the story, which are separate from the contextual details of setting. Thus, setting is the term that encapsulates the time and place aspect of a narrative.