I remember when I first started taking my writing seriously. I did a lot of research and read a lot of information on how to write a publishable novel. Somewhere along the way, I missed the part were narrative and exposition were not the same. As a matter of fact, I used the two interchangeably.
In response to one of my earlier blogs, a fellow blogger commented that she thought I was wrong in reference to a statement I had made concerning exposition and narrative. She, of course, was right, and as a result, I took a closer look at these two concepts.
Narrative
- Narrative is your voice as the writer sharing information with your readers.
- It tells the writer instead of shows.
- Narrative lets you set the scene and give background information.
- Used for transitions, it moves the reader from one scene to another.
- It slows the pace.
Exposition
- Exposition provides the detached, third-party perspective on a story.
- Shows the reader what is happening, doesnโt tell them.
- Uses description to inform and move the story forward.
- Exposition gives the reader more information, more emotion, and helps with active scenes by quickening the pace.
- Allows us to hear character thoughts.
In a nutshell, narrative is telling, exposition is showing. I found the following example during my research and thought it did a good job of showing what I am trying to explain.
Exposition: Brian stopped and reached into his pants pocket. He pulled out a lighter. Then, he reached into his lapel pocket for his pack of cigarettes and took one out. He placed the cigarette between his lips, cupped his hands, and lit it. After putting his lighter back in his pants pocket, he resumed walking.
Narration: Brian stopped to light a cigarette and resumed walking.
So much info on this subject. It still can be confusing, and it seems everyone has a different opinion. I would encourage you to do your own homework and think twice about using the two concepts interchangeably. They are not the same.
Something to think about.
-Jan R
I’m sorry but that has to be the worst piece of exposition I’ve read in a long time. Total waffle. I’m with the guy who lit the cigarette and walked on.
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Lol it was an overly exaggerated example, but I hoped it would get the concept across. I call it written-eese. Thanks for stopping by ๐
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some reverse psyc going on here
sorry but, that’s philosophy
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Useful summary, thank you.
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Thank you!
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Further complicating the question is the modern politician’s gleeful adoption of ‘narrative’ to cover any description of a background or discussion or set of facts. Heaven help us if they also latch onto ‘exposition’.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Thanks ๐
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Interesting – I thought I mostly wrote narrative – turns out it’s exposition – I take the point about not mixing the two – I’m just going to call what I do ‘writing’ – well. my take on it that is! Seriously, this is a useful, thought provoking post. Eric.
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Thank you! And thanks for stopping by ๐
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