Here's a breakdown:
* Exposition: This is the beginning of a story where the author introduces:
* Setting: Where and when the story takes place.
* Characters: The people (or sometimes animals or even objects) who are involved in the story.
* Conflicts: The problems or challenges that the characters face.
Think of the exposition as the foundation upon which the rest of the story is built. Without it, the reader wouldn't understand who is involved, where they are, or what is at stake.
Example:
* Setting: In a bustling marketplace in ancient Rome
* Characters: Marcus, a young gladiator, and Flavia, a wealthy noblewoman
* Conflict: Marcus is forced to fight in the arena, but he also secretly loves Flavia, who is forbidden to be with a gladiator.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or want to talk about other parts of story structure!