Exposition Methods & Example​s

Figurative Language - ​Begin with a simile, metaphor, or personification.

The morning was like a dream. Fog hung low to the ground, making it difficult to see the creatures clearly. But
Chris knew they were there, off in the distance, waiting for him.

The Descriptive Setting Lead

The midsummer sun was high in a clear yellow-brown sky. The morning’s filmy blue clouds had dissipated, and
the temperature was 8 degrees Fahrenheit. Chris huddled on the frozen park bench and watched his breath float from his
mouth in a cold mist. He checked his watch. Gabriel was late.

The Dramatic/Starting in the Middle of the Action Lead

Chris knew wouldn’t make it through the night without without a secure hiding spot. He could hear the creatures
behind him. The footsteps and growls getting were louder and louder. His palms became wet with sweat. His heart beat
faster. There! He saw a small opening in the cave just twenty feet away that he would be able to conceal himself in. The
creatures rounded the corner and he made a dash, his feet pounded the earth, his desperation grew as the snarls rang in his.
Wham! He hit the inside of the cavern with a thud. The creatures roared past. He would be safe until morning. His
breathing slowed, and fell into a fitful sleep.
Then go into background/backstory here - why was he running, what had lead up to that.

Leisurely Lead
When Abigail looked into her Grandma’s linen closet, she was amazed by the patchwork of color. Never had she
seen so many different blankets. There were soft, fluffy chenille ones and old worn brown ones. Some were still in their
clear plastic wrap, while others seemed to sag off the edge of the shelf. Tucked in the middle, barely visible, with just a
faded yellow corner sticking out, was the one she wanted.
Then go into the backstory - why was she searching? What led up to this? Set the scene and the story.

Introducing the Character

Chris used to think he was different from everyone else – that he had a secret friend that no one else had. But as
he grew older and shared childhood memories with new friends, he come to realize that lots of people had special
relationships with inanimate objects. That special bear, t-shirt, pillow, or, in his case, blanket. Yes, he had a “blankie.”

Dialogue Lead: ​Start with a conversation between characters and then fill in the background information that the reader
has to know about the characters, what they are doing, and why.
“You are ruining my life, Mom!” Abigail screamed at the top of her lungs as she stormed out of the living room.
“Don’t you walk away from me, Abigail Roselyn Garner! Come back…” Beth stopped yelling as the sound of the
bedroom door slamming shut reverberated throughout the tiny apartment. It was hopeless to talk to Abigail when she was
in one of her teenage moods, which was very frequent lately. She would have to wait until morning when she had calmed
down. She just hoped that wouldn’t be too late.

Once upon a time Method​ - Start with an introduction of your society and the character
The city of Perfectopia was a beautiful place to live. Everything was bright, green, prosperous, and growing. All
spaces were orderly and clean. Every surface sparkled with delight. Great walls surrounded the city that each projected
images of happy townsfolk. Today, one wall was showing a pretty little girl named Beth, working in the garden and
smelling the roses.
 Abigail was a simple girl, liked ordinary things that girls liked, and loved to eat cookies after school. She often
shared long talks with her mother about friends at school and enjoyed complaining about her teacher’s unfair late work
policy. But today that after school chat had been cut short because her mother had received a summons to the head council,
so little Beth was sitting alone, perfectly content, being projected on the wall for other citizens to be inspired by.