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exposition

ek-spuh-ZISH-un /ˌek.spəˈzɪʃ.ən/

nounC1GREAP LiteratureSAT

academicliterary

The insertion of background information within a story, explaining setting, character backstories, and prior plot events.

Exposition is necessary but dangerous. Too much direct exposition (often called an 'info-dump') slows down pacing; skilled writers weave exposition subtly into dialogue and action.

The story behind the word. Exposition comes from the Latin 'expositio', meaning 'a setting forth' or 'narration'. This is built from 'ex-' (out) and 'ponere' (to place). Literally, it is the act of 'placing out' the facts so that the reader can see them clearly.

Word relationships

backstory: Backstory is the actual history of the characters and world, while exposition is the structural act of explaining that history to the reader.
explanation: Explanation is a general term for making something clear, whereas exposition is specifically the literary delivery of narrative background.

action: Action is the immediate, real-time progression of events, which is the opposite of pausing to explain background details.

Commonly confused with

exhibition: An exhibition is a public display of art or items; exposition in literature is the setting forth of background information.

Word family

expose (verb): To make something visible by uncovering it.
expository (adjective): Intended to explain or describe something.

Collocations

clunky exposition
clumsy exposition
deliver exposition
narrative exposition

Idioms & expressions

info-dump

Example sentences

"The opening scene was clunky, filled with unnatural dialogue that served only as exposition for the audience." Critiquing a screenplay
"Through clever use of old letters, the author delivers the necessary exposition without halting the narrative flow." Analyzing novel structure

Memory hook

Think of exposing the facts. You are 'exposing' the background information that was previously hidden from the reader. Exposition exposes the backstory.

When not to use

Do not confuse exposition with a physical exhibition (like an art expo), although they share the same Latin root of 'putting on display'.

Fun facts

Screenwriters use the term 'As You Know, Bob' to describe a lazy form of exposition where two characters tell each other things they both already know, solely for the benefit of the audience.