Exposition, or letting the audience know what's going on

Having the narrator speak directly tot he audience is risky, and sometimes drops a story right in its tracks. However, having an innocent within the story (usually the protagonist) be told what's going on--exposition style--actually is very useful. The hero and the audience are both clued in, and that helps the audience sympathize with what's going on and helps them understand why the protagonist isn't up to speed right away.

However, it's really pretty difficult to make this happen without slowing (or even stopping) the flow of a story. It almost always makes the story hiccup as the action is flowing. But, if it's interesting enough the reader won't notice overly much and will be happy for it. It takes a lot of care and tender touch to do this, and I tip my hat to any author that makes exposition easy for the audience.

One particular method that I enjoy is when the clueless protagonist goes and finds some expert/wise guy and asks specifically what's going on. Doing it this way also follows the audience's train of thought precisely and so the information is not only important, but highly desired. It goes with the old saying of, "make them want to know it, and they will want to listen." I think back on a scene from The Last Starfighter where new trainees are given a brief introduction to what's going on--as a viewer I wanted to know, and was delighted to see it all happen as it should. As a bonus, the exposition gave new reasons to expand the plot and grow the characters. It was wonderful.

Is exposition necessary? Absolutely, particularly with worlds that are created especially for the story. But, treat it carefully and let the audience get what it needs while also making it flex into the plot at the same time. As an audience we don't want to be clubbed over the head with it.

- M