Here are some common places where exposition might appear:
* At the start of the story: This is the most common place for exposition. The author introduces the characters, setting, and the initial situation, providing the reader with the necessary context to understand the story.
* Through dialogue: Characters can reveal information about themselves, the setting, or the past events through their conversations.
* Through narration: The author can directly describe the setting, characters, or events, providing information to the reader.
* Through flashbacks: Flashbacks can provide exposition about past events that are relevant to the current story.
* Through other methods: There are many other creative ways to present exposition, such as through dreams, letters, newspaper articles, or other devices.
It's important to note that exposition shouldn't be too heavy-handed. While it's necessary to provide the reader with the information they need, it should be woven into the story organically, rather than being dumped on the reader in a large chunk.
Here's an example of how exposition can be used in a story:
Exposition through narration:
> "The old clock on the mantle ticked with a slow, deliberate rhythm. Rain beat against the windows, creating a steady, rhythmic drumming. Emily sat by the fire, her hands wrapped around a mug of hot tea. She was alone in the house, as she always was, and the silence felt heavier than usual. She thought about the letter she had received earlier that day, the one that had turned her world upside down. It was from her sister, Mary, and it had arrived without warning. It was the first she had heard from Mary in ten years."
Exposition through dialogue:
> "Where are we going?" Emma asked, her voice trembling.
> "Don't worry, dear," her father said, his hand on her shoulder. "We're just going to visit your aunt. She's been living in this old house for years, and she's not very well. She wanted to see you before she... Well, before she passed."
Exposition through flashback:
> The scent of woodsmoke and freshly baked bread filled the air, taking him back to a childhood spent in his grandmother's kitchen. He could almost see her, her hands wrinkled and strong, kneading dough and humming a forgotten tune. He remembered the warmth of her smile, the way she would always offer him a piece of her freshly baked pie. He remembered the day she had died, a sudden heart attack that had left him feeling adrift and alone.
Exposition through a newspaper article:
> The front page of the newspaper screamed the headline: "Local Girl Disappears from School." The photo showed a young girl with bright eyes and a mischievous grin. Her name was Sarah, and she had been missing for two days. There was no sign of her, and the police were baffled. The article went on to detail her last known whereabouts and the frantic efforts of her family to find her.
By incorporating exposition into the story in a natural way, the author can provide the reader with the information they need to understand the story without interrupting the flow of the narrative.