Writing Exposition That Will Make Your Story Shine

No matter what you write, you must understand how to communicate your thoughts and ideas to the reader. One such aspect is exposition, which can be daunting for some writers. 

When you read a book, how do you know what has happened before the events have unfolded? The answer lies in exposition, which you will need to help your readers understand the full nuances of the story.

Here is how to write exposition that will make your story shine:

What is Exposition? 

Exposition is the narrative device that provides the background information needed to understand the story. It sets the stage, introduces characters, and fills in details about the setting, time, and place.

Think of it as the foundation of your storytelling house—without it, the entire structure could collapse. Essentially, your reader must know everything before the lights are put in, the walls are painted, etc. In other words, it is the information needed to understand character motivations, plot points, etc.

How to Use Exposition Effectively

The Art of "Show, Don't Tell" 

One of the golden rules of compelling exposition is to "show, don't tell." Instead of stating facts outright, weave them into the narrative. 

For example:

Showing: Thomas's chest tightened, his ribs cloistered against his heart protectively. The air and all the light Amber held in his life had left the room when she stormed out of it. Thomas stood in the cold and darkness, only with the wedding ring he squeezed.

Telling: Amber broke up with Thomas.

In the example, the reader is given information about the breakup through Thomas's reaction, the descriptions present, and the mention of the wedding ring. The reader does not have to be explicitly told about the break up because there is enough information given.  

Learning from the Classics

One of the best ways to learn how to write exposition effectively is to learn from the classics. You can learn from modern books, but the classics are universally loved because they capture the 8 elements of fiction writing. Exposition is equally worth considering in these works.

For example, in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," the exposition is masterfully done through dialogue. 

Consider the following:

“‘You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves.’’ You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least.’”

— Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austin

While some is telling in this bit of dialogue (that Mr. Bennet is annoying Mrs. Bennet), what is exposition is the reveal of their relationship dynamic. We are told that there is some level of sarcasm and humor between the couple. Mr. Bennet's playful air and Mrs. Bennet's keen eye for quickness play a more significant role in the story. 

It is essential to understand that exposition reveals much information about characters, not just facts.   

How Not to Use Exposition

The Pitfall of Over-Description 

Consider the following example: "Inside her head, elephants stomped, dancing and frolicking about. Her eyes pressed against the back of her head and she felt like she could go numb from the pain. It hurt so bad. Although she wore pain before, in this moment, it was the greatest pain she had ever known."

You can also watch the video below to get a sense of how this might sound out loud: 

This is an example of lousy exposition. It's overly descriptive and tells us too much without showing. It is also very irritating to listen to (robot text aside).

How might you make this sentence better? Focus on giving readers information without outright telling them she has a headache. 

Things to Remember When Writing Exposition 

Balance is Key

Too much exposition can slow the pace, while too little can confuse readers. Striking the right balance is crucial.

Context Matters

Ensure that the exposition is relevant to the story. Irrelevant details can distract the reader and dilute the impact of your narrative.

Keep it Natural

The exposition should flow naturally within the story. Whether it's through dialogue, action, or internal monologue, make sure it doesn't feel forced.

Using Exposition to Elevate Your Storytelling

Exposition is an essential storytelling tool that can make or break your narrative. By understanding its role and learning how to use it effectively, you can craft a compelling, engaging story that resonates with your readers. It will also be helpful when editing your novel, because you can understand how every part of the plot fits together.

Remember, the best exposition is the kind the reader hardly notices but would miss terribly if it were gone.

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