Exposition is the introduction of background information that the audience needs in order to understand the story. It covers setting, prior events, character relationships, and anything else that cannot be immediately shown.

In a play or novel the exposition may occupy the opening scenes or be distributed through dialogue, flashbacks, and narrative summary. The challenge is to convey necessary facts without stalling the momentum or sounding artificial. “As you know, Bob” dialogue is the classic failure mode. Skilled writers embed exposition in action and conflict so that the audience learns while remaining engaged.

Exposition is distinct from the rising action that follows it. Its job is to orient; once the audience is oriented, the story can develop its complications. In media res openings delay full exposition, trusting the audience to piece together the background as the action unfolds. Either approach can work when the information arrives at the moment it becomes relevant.

The part of the story that answers “what do I need to know before the real trouble starts?” is the exposition.