Like most literary devices, there is a time and a place for exposition. Most writers use the technique to describe, explain, or provide information in non-fiction work, but exposition holds a specific place in fiction writing.
Understand the Role of Exposition in Fiction
In a fiction manuscript, a novelist uses exposition to bring the reader up to speed on past events. The exposition should introduce information the reader needs in order for that part of the story to make sense. If the reader doesn't need additional information, a writer should allow the person to draw his or her own conclusions.
A fiction writer can use exposition in ways similar to how a journalist or reporter might use it, but in most cases the information will pertain to the back story. There are several ways an author might use the literary device, including the following methods:
- Flashbacks
- Dialogue
- Descriptions
- Narrative
The technique a writer chooses will depend on the scene where he or she needs to provide information to the reader. If the main character needs to reveal something from the past, the author can introduce a character who needs the details. The characters' dialogue can reveal the information to the reader without sounding contrived.
Weave Exposition into the Story to Prevent Information Dumping
An information dump occurs when a novelist puts too much information into the story at any given time. Instead of blending in to the plot, the exposition pulls the reader out of the world the writer is trying to create. To prevent this, a novelist should space out the information.
Writers don’t have to write long paragraphs of exposition in order for the reader to follow the plot. While this might be necessary on occasion, there will be times when an author can use one sentence to explain something. Often, a writer will introduce a villain and allow him to spout his entire evil plan in one speech. This is a case where the author should consider whether the reader really needs all the information at once.
Use More Exposition in Certain Genres like Sci-fi
When it comes to using exposition, authors need to have a rough idea of what readers expect in different genres. For example, if a writer specializes in series, readers expect each following book to contain recaps of the previous ones.
Science fiction and fantasy novels also use more exposition than other genres, because the author must bring to life a world that doesn’t exist. The reader may need to know the back story for why humans live on a strange planet or to understand why the sky is green.
Mix Other Literary Devices Along with Exposition
On its own, exposition won’t add much to a story. A writer still needs to develop the plot, create realistic dialogue, and pace the story. But, when exposition is blended to other techniques, authors add a new depth to the story that readers will appreciate.
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