Dramatis personae in a play refers to

Analyze the question: The question asks for the meaning of the Latin phrase dramatis personae as used in a play.

Explain the concept: Dramatis personae is Latin for "persons of the drama" (the people or characters of the play). In a printed play text, it is the list of characters that appears at the start, often with a short description of each one (e.g., "Okonkwo, a wealthy leader of Umuofia").

Work through the options:

• A. Cast list: A cast list names the actors playing the roles in a particular production (e.g., a programme). It is closely related but not the same thing. Dramatis personae lists the characters, whoever plays them.
• B. List of characters: This matches the literal meaning and the standard definition. ✔
• C. Protagonist and antagonist: These are only two types of characters, not the full list.
• D. Order of appearance: Sometimes characters are listed in order of appearance, but that is not what the term means.

Answer: The best answer is B, list of characters.

Tip: Break the phrase down: dramatis personae = "characters of the drama." Remember: Personae = Persons = Characters, while a cast refers to the actors. If JAMB gives both "cast list" and "list of characters," pick "list of characters" for dramatis personae.