Super Glossary

Exposition

Entertainment / Literature / Exposition: The use of authorial discussion to explain or summarize background material rather than revealing this information through gradual narrative detail. Often, this technique is considered unartful, especially when creative writers contrast showing (revelation through details) and telling (exposition). For example, a writer might use exposition by writing, 'Susan was angry when she left the house and climbed into her car outside.' That sentence is telling the reader about Susan, i.e., using exposition. In contrast, the writer might change this to the following version. 'Red-faced with nostrils flaring, Susan slammed the door and stomped over to her car outside.' Now, the writer is showing Susan's anger, rather than using exposition to tell the audience she's angry.
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