Which term describes the beginning of the story which sets up the reader for what is to come by describing the time, place, and main characters?

• A. Rising action
• B. Exposition
• C. Climax
• D. Resolution

Answer: (B)

The beginning of a story that describes when and where events occur and who the main players are is called exposition. This part provides the setting, background details, and often a glimpse of the mood or tone, giving readers the context they need to understand what will unfold. By introducing time, place, and characters, exposition lays the groundwork for the central situation and prepares readers for the upcoming events. After this grounding, the narrative typically moves into rising action as complications arise, then reaches a climax, and finally moves toward the resolution. So, the term that best fits describing the time, place, and main characters at the start is exposition.