Exposition

Exposition (concerning a story) is the basic information the reader receives in the first paragraph or paragraphs. It usually tells us where the story takes place, what time it is set in, and either who´s telling it or who´s being part of it. That is often followed with some backstory or a prologue that gives the audience an explanation of what led to the circumstances the character (or characters) is in. It is important because it introduces the story and offers a descriptive image of what the book is about and esentially, gives off the vibes of the literary piece.

Here are some methods that are often used as an introduction to a story:

•  Prologue - explains what is happening, why is it happening, who caused it, and what might be done about it

•  Flashback - way to show events that lead to the situation the story is set in

• Character dialogue - offers reader to find out on their own what is going on precisely

Here is also a video that goes more into detail and provides some examples:

Sources: 

Literary Terms. (2024, November 17). Retrieved November 3, 2024, from https://literaryterms.net/