This question is based on J.P Clark's The Wives Revolt. Characterization in the play is

Analyzing the question

The question asks about the quality of characterization in J.P. Clark's The Wives' Revolt. The options differ in two ways: whether the characterization is economical (few, tightly drawn characters) or elaborate (many, deeply developed characters), and whether it is effective or ineffective.

Concept: characterization

Characterization is how a playwright presents and develops characters, through their speech, actions, and what other characters say about them.

Working through the play

The Wives' Revolt is set in Erhuwaren, an Urhobo community in the Niger Delta. The women go on strike after the men take the best share of the land, leaving them the swamp.

• The characters are drawn broadly and by function. Okpako Erhuwaren (the leader of the men), Ovie (the king), Jakpa, Ghenughen, Esiri and Ominiabo each represent a role in the conflict, such as male authority, female resistance, or the voice of compromise.
• There is no heavy psychological development. The play is built on a comic, satirical situation, and characters are shown mainly through their role in the dispute, their dialogue, and their actions.
• The characterization is still effective. The characters carry the themes of gender conflict, tradition, and negotiation. Each is easily recognized, and the humor and satire work well.

So the characterization is economical (few details, tightly focused) and effective (it achieves the playwright's purpose).

Why the other options fail

• A: "economical but effective" wrongly suggests economy and effectiveness are in tension. Economy is here a strength, so "but" is the wrong link.
• C and D: the play does not have elaborate, deeply developed characters.

Answer: B. economical and effective

Exam tip: In JAMB literature questions about technique, link the style to the purpose. Short, functional characters in a satirical comedy work well because they keep attention on the theme and the conflict.