This question is based on Buchi Emecheta's Second Class Citizen The narrative of the novel centres around

Analyze the question: The question asks who the narrative of Second Class Citizen (1974) centres around, meaning the protagonist.

Explain the concept: In a novel, the narrative centre is the main character whose experiences, thoughts, and struggles drive the plot. In Second Class Citizen, the story is told in the third person but stays close to Adah's point of view.

Show the solution:

• Adah is the protagonist. She is a Nigerian girl who fights to get an education, even though her family sees girls as less valuable. She later marries Francis and follows him to England.
• Francis is her husband. He is irresponsible, lazy and abusive, and he is a major character, but he is not the focus of the story.
• Ike is not the central figure. (Adah's mother is also not the focus, and Ike is not a major character in the plot.)
• Mrs Ofili is not the main character either. She is a minor figure.

The novel follows Adah's journey: her childhood in Lagos, her struggle for schooling, her marriage, her migration to London, her experience of racism and "second class" status, and her growing independence as she raises her children, works, writes, and finally leaves Francis. The title itself reflects her double marginalisation, as a Black immigrant and as a woman.

Correct answer: Adah, which is option D.

Tip: For any novel question asking "who is the narrative centred on," pick the character whose growth and struggles you follow from beginning to end. In Second Class Citizen, that is Adah. Also remember the key themes: gender discrimination, racism, migration, education, and female resilience.