Final answer:
In 'The Dinner Party,' a 3) cobra is the animal that makes an appearance and is central to the story's plot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked which kind of animal makes an appearance in The Dinner Party. The answer is a cobra. This animal plays a pivotal role in the story, specifically in testing the characters' calmness and composure in a stressful situation.
While other animals like mice and elephants are mentioned in various contexts, it is the cobra that has a direct and significant presence in the narrative of The Dinner Party.