Is the people felt confused is that an action or linking verb?

The verb "felt" in the phrase "the people felt confused" is a linking verb.

Here's why:

* Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject.

* In this case, "felt" links the subject "people" to the predicate adjective "confused," which describes their state of being.

Let's break it down:

* Subject: The people

* Linking verb: felt

* Predicate adjective: confused

The sentence means: The people were in a state of confusion.