Cast in a play refers to

Analyze the question: The question asks for the meaning of the literary/drama term "cast" in a play.

Explain the concept: In drama, the cast is the whole group of actors (performers) who take part in a production. Each actor plays a character. The list of characters and the actors playing them is often printed in the programme as the "cast list" or dramatis personae.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Option A: three of the actors. There is no fixed number in the definition, so this is wrong.
2. Option B: a few of the actors. The cast is not limited to some actors. It covers everyone, so this is wrong.
3. Option C: an exclusive social class in the play. This confuses "cast" with "caste", which is a social class. The spelling and meaning are different, so this is wrong.
4. Option D: all the actors. This is correct. The cast is the full body of actors in the play, from lead roles to minor ones.

Answer: D. all the actors

Exam tip: Do not mix up cast (actors in a play) and caste (a social class or hereditary rank). JAMB likes to test this kind of near-identical-sounding word. Also remember that cast includes all performers, not just the main characters.