Home › Arts & Literature › Narrative Elements & Plot › exposition

exposition

ek-spuh-ZISH-un /ˌek.spəˈzɪʃ.ən/

nounB2SATGREAP Literature

academicliterary

The insertion of background information within a story, including setting, character backstories, and historical context.

Refers specifically to foundational setup material. When overly blunt, it is often criticized as 'info-dumping'.

The story behind the word. From Latin expositionem, meaning a setting forth or displaying. In classical Roman rhetoric, it meant laying out the facts before an argument, which playwrights later adapted to describe setting the stage for an audience.

Word relationships

backstory: Backstory refers strictly to past events, whereas exposition includes present setting and world-building rules.
preamble: Preamble is an introductory statement to a document, not an integrated narrative component.

climax: Climax is the structural peak of tension, whereas exposition is the informative setup.

Commonly confused with

explanation: Explanation is any general clarifying statement, while exposition is a specific narrative structural element.

Word family

expository (adjective): Serving to set forth or explain background details.
expose (verb): To uncover or lay bare.

Collocations

clunky exposition
opening exposition
expository passage
provide exposition

Example sentences

"The opening chapter provides essential exposition regarding the family's ancient feud." Literary analysis
"Heavy exposition in the dialogue slowed down the first act of the movie." Film critique

Memory hook

EXPOSITION EXPOSES the position and background of the story. EXPOSES the backstory.

When not to use

Do not use exposition to refer to the exciting high point or turning point of a narrative.

Fun facts

Screenwriters use the term 'clunky exposition' for scenes where characters awkwardly tell each other things they already know just for the audience's benefit.