I need help with writing considering the subject of exposition

[Captain Brony (MG11) 218]

After watching many analysis videos I notice different reviewers and analysts alike seem to express their opinions on exposition in short unspecific ways.

From what I can gather/guess exposition can sometimes be predictable or extensively boring. (Following the show don't tell format)

Other times it seems like exposition is wanted in particular scenes rather than avoided as expressed by others.

 

So I want a little help from you guys to maybe clear the air for me:

When is exposition needed and not needed? How should you use exposition to tell a story more effectively? Are there any exceptions to a situation where exposition normally is not necessary?

 

Looking forward to hearing back!

-Captain Brony, out!

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

I generally don't like exposition, since it seems over-used and less entertaining than many of the more creative methods of storytelling available.  As a rule, I consider it acceptable if there is an in-character reason for them delivering exposition, and (maybe most importantly) if it's delivered in a way that's consistent with that character's style of speech and their world view.  If either of those conditions cannot be met without it feeling forced, that's probably a sign that another storytelling method should be used instead.

Edited January 20, 2014 by NLR Information Minister

[Captain Brony (MG11) 218]

I generally don't like exposition, since it seems over-used and less entertaining than many of the more creative methods of storytelling available.  As a rule, I consider it acceptable if there is an in-character reason for them delivering exposition, and (maybe most importantly) if it's delivered in a way that's consistent with that character's style of speech and their world view.  If either of those conditions cannot be met without it feeling forced, that's probably a sign that another storytelling method should be used instead.

So say if character A wants to learn the specifics of magic and character B explains it to them without sounding like a college textbook then that would be an appropriate use of exposition?

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

So say if character A wants to learn the specifics of magic and character B explains it to them without sounding like a college textbook then that would be an appropriate use of exposition?

 

It *could* be, but (using something like MLP or Harry Potter as a baseline), I would expect the in-universe concept of magic to be extremely complex: something that takes decades to master.  As such, it could be a little groan-inducing if a character conveniently sums it all up or otherwise streamlines its learning process in a paragraph or two.

 

If it helps, consider how the scene would play out if an experienced geologist was explaining geology (instead of magic) to a high school student: they would discuss it in very broad, big-picture ways, but wouldn't be able to deliver any kind of immense wisdom that would help them master the study of the field.  Harry Potter gets away with using exposition a lot because its characters limit the exposition to very specific instances of a spell/practice and its history (like when Dumbledore explained his memory spell as a framework for expressing his frustration at being unable to figure out the significance of a particular memory).  Plus, that universe is chock full of eggheads who love to talk about the magic that they love, so it's in-character.