Talking points, exposition, and generally getting information out there

A funny thing happens in stories ... there is stuff the audience needs to know but isn't readily obvious. In other words, the narrator needs to get involved somehow and explain things. This is usually labelled "exposition." There's lots of ways to do it, with a current vogue of characters having a weird conversation about, "remember how we..." or "since ... happened we now do..." The easiest way is have a narrator step in and explain it quickly (like in the new Lord of the Rings movies where the first movie has a great voiceover explaining the One Ring, the other rings, elves, and so on). However the author does it, exposition stops a story flat until the explaining is done, then audience understands, and we can get on with it.

Let the reading begin...

Now this can also be done without words at all--for example, the beginning of Up features a short visual story that is less than 5 minutes of pure brilliance and without a single word--by using visuals, music, artwork, scents (think Art Gallery). All these things provide clues, and a basis for the story. I love experimenting with different methods, but my favorite is taking a character that has no reason to know anything and having them "taught" what the backstory is through some form of instruction--usually a quick few sentences. The point is to make it quick and gentle, get everyone up to speed, and carry on with the adventure.

That's probably the biggest reason I don't mind a voiceover start to a movie (instead of a bunch of scrolling text) is because I haven't even started the story yet and so I don't mind listening to a short lecture. Though, in a book, if I must have exposition, I prefer it directly from the narrator as a snappy few sentences.

Funny thing is, we do this in regular life as well. Think about it. Most jokes have a setup... we inform new staff of how we do things... a visitor will be told the history of curious objects... Life is a series of narrations, cherished memories, odd trifles, and patchwork images, strung together like diamonds on a chain. Make it a good one.

- M