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Literature vocabulary · Plot and Structure

Exposition

Meaning in literature, with examples

/ˌekspəˈzɪʃn/nounCommon term

In literature, exposition means: The opening part of a story or play that introduces the characters, setting and background information the reader needs to follow the plot.

In Turkish: serim, giriş bölümü

How it is used

The first stage of Freytag's pyramid, followed by rising action, climax, falling action and resolution. Writing teachers warn against heavy exposition or 'info-dumping', where too much background is given at once.

Example sentences

  1. The exposition is very short: by page three the family is already in crisis.

  2. Two servants gossiping on stage is a classic way to deliver exposition.

Common collocations

  • heavy exposition
  • deliver exposition
  • the exposition introduces
  • exposition and rising action
  • rising actionThe part of a plot after the exposition in which complications and tension build up step by step toward the climax.
  • climaxThe most intense and important moment of a story, when the main conflict reaches its turning point and the outcome is decided.
  • falling actionThe part of a plot after the climax, in which the tension decreases and the results of the main conflict become clear before the resolution.
  • resolutionThe final part of a story, after the climax, where the main conflict is settled and loose ends are tied up.
  • settingThe time and place in which a story happens, including its social background, historical period and atmosphere.

More terms: Plot and Structure

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