Does "surroundings" refer to the "people" around the characters? Or does it refer to the "circumstances" and "background"?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
"Surroundings" refers to the background and conditions around a person. Ex: When driving it's important to check your surroundings. Ex: Deep in the darkness of the cave, I lost track of my surroundings. Ex: Make sure to study in the proper surroundings where you won't be disturbed.