Question

in a narrative essay, a transitional word or phrase helps to
develop characters.
describe the setting.
connect ideas.
clarify the conflict.

Explanation:

Transitional words or phrases in writing, including narrative essays, are primarily used to create coherence by linking different ideas, sentences, or paragraphs. Developing characters involves methods like dialogue or description, describing setting uses descriptive language about time/place, and clarifying conflict focuses on explaining the problem. So the correct function of transitions is to connect ideas.

Answer:

C. connect ideas.