Exposition

Podcast Version: MAL S2E9 Podcast

Word of the week:

Exposition:

A descriptive explanation of a theory or idea that is comprehensive.    In fiction writing, the exposition is the part of the story that gives readers information about the characters, their background, and the setting, introducing the reader to the story.  .  

Reading: 

Tale of Two Cities- Chapter 1

From: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens | Project Gutenberg

Tips:7 Ways to Write Exposition

The exposition of a fictional story should tell the reader something about who the characters are, what time period they are in, and where the story will take place.  If writers aren’t careful though, it can become boring, not provide enough information and confuse the reader, or provide too much information and bog the story down.  Here are seven ways you can include exposition in your story:

1. Use dialogue to reveal more about the characters.  Important information can be revealed through conversations back and forth with the characters in the story.
2. Introduce the character through something unique about them.  This may be their spunk, boldness, timidness, or other personality trait that sets them apart.  
3. Use conflict to jump into the action and let the readers know where the characters are and what is happening to them.  
4. Narrate the character’s thoughts.  The characters thoughts can be used to show the state of mind of the character, and how they feel about what is happening around them. 
5.  Include the story’s core values, such as life vs death, love vs hate, or right vs wrong.
6. Establish a point of view and stick with it.  Will the story be in 1st person, 2nd person (rare), or 3rd person?  Choose one and stick with it.  
7. Create a character worth rooting for.  Write a character that even with their flaws is someone the readers will want to see succeed.  

Prompt: Exposition Rewrite

Choose one of the ways to write exposition and start writing.  Then rewrite the passage, using a different way to use exposition.