In some books, for example, you may find that exposition takes place through flashbacks that a character experiences. While the exposition usually appears at the beginning of a book, there can be exceptions. Without an idea of where and when the characters are, readers will be confused about why certain events are happening.ĭoes exposition only occur at the beginning of a story? In a novel, the author typically places the backstory at the beginning.Įxposition is important in a story because it allows the reader to see the location and factors of time, such as season, year of life, etc. Popular Examples of Exposition You’ve no doubt read or heard the opening line many times: ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far away, far away…’ The opening title sequence in Star Wars is an excellent example of exposition in film. Literary exposition can help provide emotional stakes throughout the beginning of the story, the rising action, the falling action, and the eventual denouement. In the world of writing, exposition refers to the art of providing essential background information about the main characters and the world of your story. These are events between the introduction and climax.

Rising Action – Events in the story become complicated the conflict is revealed.

Exposition (introduction) – Beginning of the story characters, background, and setting revealed.

Build tension through dramatic contrast.

Break up long stretches of exposition with dialogue.

How do you write an exposition in a story? … What does it mean to exposition?ġ : a setting forth of the meaning or purpose (as of a writing) 2a : discourse or an example of it designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understand. This background information allows the reader of a story to emotionally invest in the narrative’s arc, characters, and action. What is the best definition of exposition in a story?Įxposition is a literary device that is designed to convey important information, within a short story or novel, to the reader. The conflict is the primary problem that drives the plot of the story, often a main goal for the protagonist to achieve or overcome. The exposition is the introduction to a story, including the primary characters’ names, setting, mood, and time. The exposition continues as we learn that Luke lives with his uncle, his father is dead, and he doesn’t enjoy life on a farm. This helps us to understand the background before we meet Luke Skywalker, the main character. The beginning of the story where the characters and setting are introduced is called the exposition.

What is the exposition of a story examples? 4 Does exposition only occur at the beginning of a story?.3 What does exposition mean in writing?.1 What is the exposition of a story examples?.

Story exposition